In the spring of 2018, we noticed that our Chapel organ was aging and was not serving the needs of the worship service as it had in previous years.  After considering whether to replace the Chapel organ, we decided that where we really needed a more versatile and larger instrument was in our Sanctuary.

The Director of Music (DOM), Chris Muller, in consultation with the volunteer Chapel Organist, Barbara Debiase, and the Church Council decided to research options.

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After several months of research, a suitable instrument was found at Church Organ Consultants in Lynchburg, Virginia.  The instrument was available for immediate sale which prompted the Music Director to drive to Virginia on June 1, 2018 to see and play it to ensure it met the church's needs.  Following the examination of the instrument, a proposal was presented to Church Council which was immediately approved, pending raising of the funds for the purchase.  The DOM prepared and delivered a fund raising proposal to the congregation  in June 2018.  Through the generosity of a number of SUMC members the funds for the purchase and installation of the instrument was raised in 5 weeks.  The contract was signed and planning began for the removal of the old Chapel organ, move of the existing Sanctuary organ (Allen 2 manual instrument) to the Chapel, shipping and installation of the Rodgers in the Sanctuary which took place in the last week of August 2018.   The pictures and videos below tell the story of the installation and voicing process.