Organ Recital Series

For the third year, Central United Methodist Church will be hosting an Advent Organ Recital Series. This year, the theme of the series will be The Organs of Central United Methodist Church. Homer A. Ferguson III, Organist and Music Associate, will perform all four advent recital programs. The 30-minute programs will be held each Wednesday at 12:15 PM during the season of Advent, beginning November 28. · The first program will feature the Dobson mechanical-action organ in Pioneer Chapel.  This instrument, a memorial for Rosie Valentine Syll given by Marion Russell, was originally built in 1993 and was moved and installed in Pioneer Chapel in 2000. The organ is used regularly for the 8:00 AM. Sunday worship service as well as small weddings and memorial services. · On Wednesday December 5, the recital will be held in Womack Center with the program performed on the recently acquired and donated 1971 Schlicker organ of 5 ranks and 2 manuals. This instrument, a gift of Dr. Richard Haefer, was originally built for Arizona State University. This finely crafted instrument has found a new home at Central and is a remarkable little organ. The organ is now being used during weekly choir rehearsals, for Sunday morning practice and preparation, and is available for teaching. · On Wednesday, December 12, the recital will be performed in the Sanctuary on our newly delivered 5-rank continuo organ built by Taylor and Boody Organ builders of Staunton, Virginia. This small portable organ will serve as an interim instrument during the period of waiting between the removal of our old failing Reuter organ and the building and arrival of the new Glatter-Gotz/Rosales organ. · The final program on December 19 will also take place in the Sanctuary; however, Homer will perform on the 1969 Reuter organ of 3-manuals and pedal. This organ, which has served dutifully for the past 38 years, suffers from age, wear, water damage, mechanical unreliability, and craftsmanship and installation issues. Fundraising continues for the organ and Sanctuary renewal project with plans to move forward with the Sanctuary renovations in the summer of 2008. The building and installation of the new organ will occur after the completion of the funding raising. Donations for the new organ and Sanctuary project continue to be solicited and accepted. We are currently at 1/3 of the total needed to complete the project.