July 30, 2010

Dear Parishioner,

Rejoice with me! The new parish organ will be installed and in operation by early autumn. As you may recall, this project has been made possible by a $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor in memory of Dorothy Virginia Garman Blankenship Laurie. “Jennie” was a beloved parishioner of St. Andrew’s for many years. We accepted responsibility as a parish to provide the remaining $162,218 to purchase the organ specified by the donor.

Some of you who are reading this have already made contributions towards this project, with a total of $95,344 paid or pledged to date. The names of all contributors of any amount, including gifts in memory of others, will be included in the special Dedication Booklet to be unveiled at the inaugural recital. While savings are available to cover the remaining $66,874 required, we would prefer to retain those funds for the kinds of repairs and improvements that come with being the stewards of our historic landmark building. Every dollar contributed to the organ fund helps us to conserve our resources for unforeseen future needs.

With completion of the project approaching rapidly, I would ask those of you who have not yet contributed to consider a gift of any size, great or small. And for those who have made contributions I extend my gratitude and that of your fellow parishioners. Additional gifts would be welcome as well. Any funds in excess of our goal would allow us to also enhance the beauty of the exposed historic organ façade, which flanks our magnificent rose window dedicated to St. Cecilia, the patroness of musicians.

There is additional good news in the fact that we are receiving indications of interest from renowned organists in both the U.S. and Europe to perform recitals on what will be the seventh organ of this level to be constructed worldwide. The Gala Inaugural Concert will take place on Friday evening, November 19 at 7:30 pm. Performing will be our own Director of Music, Kelly Wheelbarger, along with the evening’s featured artist, the celebrated Peter Latona, Director of Music for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Further details on upcoming events will be announced as dates are confirmed.

I am confident that together we can complete the funding of this project which a gracious donor has made possible. The result will be an instrument that will not only meet our needs for many years but will also be an asset to the entire Roanoke Valley.

Go directly to the Music Ministry page to get detailed information about the Memorial Organ Project.