RENEWING THE PAST ….EMBRACING THE FUTURE:
SANCTUARY RESTORATION BEGINS IN 2008

Why do we need a new organ?
The present organ requires an increasing budget for maintenance. We are facing larger and on-going maintenance issues.  For example, we have rebuilt the pedalboard of the console twice and it continues to be unreliable. The console is in very bad condition and faces major maintenance or even replacement. There are pipes that are not reliably speaking. Our organists continually work around non-functioning parts of the organ. Replacement parts are difficult to acquire. The electrical components from thirty years ago are severely worn. The new organ will have the latest technological advances.
 
Why do we need new pews?
In 1973, the original pews were replaced with particle-board pews and a wood veneer. Many of the pews are beyond repair.
 
What is the benefit of removing the ceiling panels?
Congregational singing will greatly be enhanced throughout the sanctuary, but especially in the middle to rear of the sanctuary. This change in the acoustics will also enable the organ to be more effective and the leadership of the choir to be experienced throughout the sanctuary. The mastic holding the panels in place is adhered with a compound containing asbestos and we need to remove this from the sanctuary.
 
Why do the stained glass windows need repair?
If you look carefully at the windows, you will see the glass pulling from the bronze support bars. It is critical that the windows be repaired.
 
Will the sanctuary be closed during this work?
No. Work will be done in the sanctuary Sunday afternoon through Friday and then the room will be made ready for Sunday worship.
 
What is the schedule for the work?
The current organ will be removed in May. Construction begins in June.  Construction in the sanctuary will be done June through November. All sanctuary work and preparation for the organ should be completed so that Advent and Christmas worship will be uninterrupted. We will be using chairs in September and October as work on the floor and pew removal is accomplished. An electronic organ will be used until the new organ is completed.
 
In January 2009, trucks will begin arriving with the new Dobson Organ. The congregation will be invited to assist in bringing the organ into the staging area. There will be a drawing to help you find where the pipe you are carrying will fit in the new organ. The installation of the organ will take six months. After the organ is installed, workers will begin voicing each pipe to speak most effectively in our sanctuary. This will take five months. We expect for all work to be completed and have the use of the new organ in December 2009.
 
What is the budget for this work?
$3,000,000 for the organ; $4,000,000 for the organ preparation and sanctuary restoration.
 
How can you help?
Prayerfully consider your gift to the project. While the sanctuary will not be closed during this work, the sanctuary will have varying aspects of transitional condition and require our flexibility. Be excited about this opportunity to restore the work of the church founders as well as prepare for effective worship for future generations.
 
Questions: David R. Davidson, 214.523.2252 or davidsond@hpumc.org.