PROGRESS REPORT

Updates:

ADOPT - Update April 28, 2003

We are in the process of changing the format with which we at MGCOC communicate with you, the friends of the Denfeld organ and supporters of ADOPT.  Much time and effort has gone into getting this far, and as living proof that "A picture is worth a thousand words" (and with our work load we certainly don't have the time for as many thousands of words as is needed to describe the ins and outs of the goings on of this project.), we offer these slide shows for your edification and enjoyment.  Please continue to support us in this project, as things are just starting to get rolling!

Echo Division Slideshow (removal of)   Coming Soon!

Echo Division Slideshow (damage)

Echo Division Slideshow (repairs and reassembly)

Echo Division Slideshow (before and after)

Choir Division Slideshow (removal of)

Choir Division Slideshow (damage)  Coming Soon

HISTORICAL INFORMATION:

Just recently, we received some historical information (Highlighted below) from Terry Kleven. (A Competitor, yet Friend whose information and opinions are considered by most to be as accurate and truthful as you can find.) This and other tidbits of information will be further documented before the final report on the instrument is written.

The Organ was built in 1920-21, and installed in the Capital Theater, in St. Paul. Then, in 1925-26, when it had hardly been broken in, and still in its infancy, the organ was taken in as trade in by the Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ Company, when a new organ was installed in the Theater. It was then sold to Denfeld High School for $25,000 and installed in the auditorium. Quite possibly, it was originally voiced on 5” of pressure. But it now operates on 7+”, probably to better fill the auditorium with its majestic sound.

RENOVATIONS TO DATE:

The pipes have been removed from the Echo and Choir chambers. Meticulous recording is taking place so that the condition of each pipe, the condition of each of the wind chests, etc. is recorded for posterity. This is being done by photograph (some of which can be seen on this web site), and with a computer program created to track each of the pipes’ condition and if it is in storage and where stored, installed, etc. This is a time consuming project, but considered to be very valuable.

The CHOIR chamber:

Only the pipes from the Choir chamber have been removed. This was accomplished by removing the grate in front of the chamber for easy accessibility. Most of the pipes are in repairable condition, but will require extensive cleaning and attention. The condition of the wind chests has not been assessed yet. Hopefully the water damage is not too extensive.

The ECHO chamber:

We knew upon examination, that there was extensive damage, but it was not known until we were able to get in there and check everything out. The pipes from two of the four ranks are severely damaged from water running through them, and from sitting in water. This probably started 40 - 50 years ago. The two metal ranks we are hoping to salvage and reuse. The wind chests are ruined. Of the (292) valves in the chest, only 7 were able to move at all. Corrosion has a horrible way of destroying delicate works. BUT, let us not lament! All is not lost. There are ranks of pipes available for the finding which are manufactured by the same company and of the same vintage! These are being sought for purchase for replacement so that the instrument will be as much like the original as possible.

The Present Plan:

Is to totally restore the Echo Chamber so that it can be viewed. A roof will be placed in the chamber, with gutters to take away any water that might leak in in the future. Then the wind chests and pipes will be put into place. The hope is that it will be able to be used, so that visitors can view and hear that portion of the organ. No other deterioration has taken place since spring 2001, when it was used for Awards Ceremony and Graduation.

To date, we have just over $80,000 raised! So we are almost 1/3 of the way to our goal. Please get the word out how far we have come, but we still have quite a distance to go to complete the project.

Mike Christian

for the M.G.Christian Organ Company

8/09/02

Here are some photos of work being done on one of the organ chambers:

3/23/02

Notice:

Concerning the Mailing You (Denfeld Alumni) may have received or will receive shortly...

Please bear with Us (ADOPT) and be forgiving for the poor timing of this mailing and the fact that We can only afford to send out to about 1/2 of the total recorded Alumni...

As funds become available the other 1/2 will receive their Brochure and their opportunity to help save this fine Pipe Organ.....

Please feel free to download - make copies - and distribute the materials of this page to friends, Alumni, and Non-Alumni alike.

This is needed to help raise awareness and raise the needed funds to accomplish the goal of restoration and perpetual care.

Together We Will Make This Happen and All will Know that the DENFELD SPIRIT Lives On!

Thank You

Michael G. Christian