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Aeolian-Skinner Restoration Project
In Christ and in Peace,
The Organ Restoration Committee working with the Committee on Finance, the Board of Trustees, the Congregational Gathering and noted organ craftsman Randall Dyer & Associates developed a master plan for a complete organ restoration. This plan includes re-leathering the organ, building a new console and making minor tonal additions. The projected cost of the restoration and maintenance of this church treasure is $495,578 of which more than $327,000 has been received through May 2007. Because of the historic role this instrument has played in both the worship of God and the enhancing of the cultural climate of Central Florida, we know there may be persons who are not members of this church but who wish to promote the Worship and Music arts of our area. In that regard all contributions are tax deductible and welcomed. Restoration Progress Report: (photographs by Michael Shortal) Work on the sanctuary organ continues in all phases of our project. The initial work of re-leathering the chests and replacing the primary/unit action magnets is completed. Now the reservoirs are also being re-leatherd. The reservoirs take the air from the blower and set it to the right pressure for the various divisions of the organ. They can be seen just above the choir loft at the bottom of the organ chamber. The reservoirs for the Positiv division, Pedal pittman, and the Pedal 16' Kontra Posaune were taken out of the organ in February and put on a truck bound for the shop in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Pipe work from the positiv division and the 16' Kontra Posaune were also taken to be re-voived. The new pipe work for these divisions will soon be voiced and blended into the existing pipework. When the work on these reservoirs is completed, they will return to FUMCO for re installation and a comparable number of reservoirs will be removed and continue the cycle. During the time of the re-leathering the reservoirs, a corresponding part of the organ will be unplayable, but the remainder of this large instrument will still support our morning worship.
The final aspect of the work that is currently progressing is the building of new pipes. This work is proceeding in two directions, with some completely new ranks added and a few ranks being replaced or re-voiced. Some of the larger pipes are finished and have been transported from the manufacturer in North Dakota to Dyer’s shop in Tennessee, awaiting the final stage of our work. Other pipes will also be ordered, completed and stored as time and finances allow. Listed below are some interesting highlights about the organ.
page updated
June 1, 2007
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The
Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.,
the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and the First United Methodist
Church of Orlando have what in common? Every Sunday morning worshippers are led
by the soaring majesty of the world-renowned Aeolian-Skinner organ.
As with all such fine instruments they are priceless; not only in dollar value
but also in their contributions to worship and the promoting of excellent music
in the community. From Prelude to Postlude our spirit's attention is guided to
God. It is to our highest benefit that we keep this instrument in the best condition
possible - for ourselves, for those who will come after us and for our community.
I urge each member and friend of this church and each devotee of the ongoing
availability of excellence in church and concert organ music to consider providing
financial support for the work needed to maintain and enhance the sanctuary organ. 
When
our organ was built in 1962 some of the crucial materials of the instrument had
a life expectancy of 30 years. We already have enjoyed several years of grace
with our now 45-year old instrument, but we find that problems in the organ are
occurring with an increasing frequency.
The new console is being modeled in the late Aeolian-Skinner Drop -Bed style. This design keeps the consoles height to a minimum. Allowing for greater visibility from the console. An exciting aspect of the console is that the keys of the four manuals are of Ivory. Within the last decade, warehoused ivory was released for commercial use and Dyer and Associates was able to guarantee us new ivory for each of our four manuals. To the left and right of the Manuals the draw knobs for each division will be placed in a formal arrangement according to ensemble. This layout of the stops has drawn accolades from all who have sat in front of it. After the new year and the new capital campaign the console will be fitted with its internal parts, side panels, and stained to match the backs of the choir loft pews. 
Here we see the “Key Bed ” under construction. The “Key Bed” is 
the flat surface that is to either side of the manuals and is the location of the manuals and "stop-jams" rest. The new console will be constructed of two inch American cherry wood and stained to match the pews throughout the nave. 
| First United Methodist Church of Orlando 142 East Jackson Street Orlando, FL 32801 407.849.6080 :Voice E-mail: fumco@fumc-orl.org |