PBS, NPR and local perspective for western Mass.

In Stonington, An Ancient Art Brings Music To Life

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

In a small church in one corner of Connecticut, a massive musical project has been underway this summer.

Calvary Episcopal Church in Stonington is installing a new organ.

The more than half-million-dollar project began as a gift from a former member of the choir in memory of her brother. 

The organ's case begins to take shape in the loft.
Harriet Jones

The organ itself took about eight months to create at the shop of builder Richards Fowkes in Tennessee.

Then, last month, it was painstakingly disassembled, and the tens of thousands of parts were trucked up to Connecticut, where construction began once again.

The facade is complete at Calvary Church.
Harriet Jones

After all the pipes are installed and the instrument is "voiced," the Chandler McIvor memorial organ is scheduled to get its blessing and dedication in December.

Calvary Episcopal Church in Stonington.
Harriet Jones / WNPR
John Brown shows off the keyboard under construction.
Harriet Jones / WNPR
Master Organ Builder Patrick Spiesser.
Harriet Jones / WNPR
The organ contains tens of thousands of parts.
Harriet Jones / WNPR
Parts wait in the parish hall.
Harriet Jones / WNPR
Each part must be carefully labeled.
Harriet Jones / WNPR
The case begins to take shape.
Harriet Jones / WNPR
The facade pipes are complete.
Harriet Jones / WNPR

Copyright 2017 Connecticut Public Radio

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Harriet Jones is Managing Editor for Connecticut Public Radio, overseeing the coverage of daily stories from our busy newsroom.