New Pipe Organ

Pilgrim Lutheran Church is excited by the arrival of our new pipe organ, built by John Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders of Champaign Illinois.  Delivery of this organ began on February 27, 2017.

NEW PIPE ORGAN ARRIVES AT PILGRIM! Click the below links to see photos of the start of the new pipe organ installation at Pilgrim. New photos will be added regularly so check back soon to see more!

• The truck arrives
• The team begins unloading
• The organ space is prepared
• Organ pieces arrive in the sanctuary, pt 1
• Organ pieces arrive in the sanctuary, pt 2
• Framing out the space
• A view from below
• The framing continues
• Scaffolding rises
• Hooking in the electrical components
• A view of the organ framing from below
• Close-up peek of the organ framing interior
• Swiss cheese or a part of the organ?
• A view of the organ from the front of the sanctuary
• A towering view from below
• Unpacking the organ console, part 1
• Unpacking the organ console, part 2
• Ready for the organist - not quite!
• What fits in a round hole?
• Unpacking of the pipes
• Ever seen a wooden pipe?
• The organ rises...
• Afraid of heights?
• Up-close with installation
• Everything but the pipes
• Ready for a closeup
• A real construction site
• The organ takes shape
• Up-close with the organ
• Have you ever seen a wood pipe?
• It takes a lot of support
• Unwrapping the pipes!
• Up-close with a pipe
• The pipe installation begins!
• Organ console, ready for closeup
• Pulling out all the stops
• Close-up with presets
• Now THAT'S a pipe!
• Adding the pipes, one at a time
• Ever seen a festival trumpet?
• Look! Curved pipes!
• Pipes in their packing cradles
• Layout out the pipes
• Look! Organ bells!
• Big, Bigger, Biggest!
• Inspecting the pipe before installation
• Up-close with a big pipe
• 1st two big pipes are installed!
• The trumpet section
• What's the best way to hoist a pipe?
• Get a good grip!
• On three, two, ONE!
• Raising the pipe
• Preparing to hoist over the rail
• Up, up, up it goes!
• Many hands make light work
• Have you got it?
• Walking the pipe into place
• Final touches
• The organ console fits right in
• A little perspective on size
• Get a broader view of the organ
• Most of the pipes are now in!
• Finally, the spot lights have something to shine on
• Getting close now!
• A little bit of green
• Ready to blast a joyful noise!
• The pipes you WON'T see
• From tiny to tremendous
• Look at those wee pipes!
• Closeups with pipes
• A little perspective
• Every pipe in place
• Gleaming in the spotlights
• Profile of Pilgrim's New Pipe Organ
• Festival trumpets, ready!
• Pilgrim's New Pipe Organ, complete
• Every pipe in place

Scroll down to view additional video, photos and presentations of the new organ.

New Pipe Organ Campaign Update

As of January 31, 2017, we have collected 85% of the total amount pledged toward Pilgrim's new pipe organ. Contributions are now at $228,493. Once again, thank you to all who have and continue to generously contribute to this exciting project.

To learn more about Pilgrim's new pipe organ and campaign, please contact a member of the Fundraiser Campaign Steering Committee:

• Karin Veatch
• Noel Shilling | 317.844.6367
• Dick Dahoney
• Sarah Williams | 317.846.2221 ext 1208

Upcoming 2017 Events

Mark your calendars for two upcoming concerts celebrating this instrument:

ORGAN DEDICATION CONCERT
Friday, September 8, 2017
Location: Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Join us for Pilgrim's Organ Dedication Concert performed by Todd Wilson, professor of organ at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland, OH.

500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION HYMN FESTIVAL
Friday, October 13, 2017
Location: Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Join us for this celebratory 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Hymn Festival performed by David Cherwien, cantor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN and noted church musician and improviser.

Photos and Presentations

• See new organ photos from the December 16th Field Trip
• VIDEO: Hear the first sound of Pilgrim's new pipe organ
• See photos of the progress from July29th Field Trip visit
• More photos of the organ construction
• Learn How Our New Organ Pipes are Made
• See Pilgrim's Actual New Organ Pipes
• Field Trip to Buzard Pipe Organ Builders in Champaign, IL 
• The Pipes Arrive from Germany
• Building the New Pipe Organ