Johnson Organ Update  2017

Our organ in The Old Stone Church was made by William Johnson of Westfield in 1862. It is number 134 of 860 made by Johnson. Many of these old organs have been burned in church fires, replaced by later models, significantly altered and electrified, or were parlor organs. There are 4 organs older than St. Luke's in Massachusetts, and one of those has been electrified. The price of the organ in 1862 was $650, along with the previous organ. This organ is one of the very few remaining in original condition and is still hand pumped and used in summer services. This organ is extremely rare and of high quality. Significant repairs were made in 1975 and 1997. The current major repair and renovation involves all the inner workings of the organ. Our organ for the most part is presently in Northampton in the able hands of William Czelusniak. His esteemed company is providing this major repair work. We are on target to have it up and pumping for the initial summer service on June 15, 2017. The cost of this renovation will be $72,500 (just a bit more than the original cost!!). St. Luke's will soon have a Capital Fund drive, so that everyone can have a part in the important restoration of this fine instrument.