Celebrating the 102nd Anniversary of its Relocation to St. Patrick Oratory Waterbury, Connecticut
& the 149th Anniversary of its Construction by Henry Erben
A PROGRESS REPORT and what’s still required
for our parish’s distinguished pipe organ
to be heard again–for the first time in decades!
This work performed by Valley Organ Restoration Co. LLC since the fall of 2020 has included removing hundreds of pipes, one section of the organ at a time, cleaning out dirt and plaster dust, covering the deteriorated plaster wall behind the entire organ with paneling, making electrical and safety upgrades, and carpentry repairs. (NOTE: The organ currently heard at Mass is an electronic substitute, not the huge pipe organ one can see in the back of the church and which has not been usable for many years.)
֍֍Go to this link for updated Summary of Work done Since 2020→1876 Henry Erben Organ Waterbury CT – organ restoration
Christopher Schaefer (President of Valley Organ Restoration Co LLC) immediately behind the organ’s façade, removing an obstruction added in 1923 in preparation for restoring pipes removed at that time
Chris on 24-foot ladder, covering deteriorated plaster wall with paneling
Chris standing next to largest wooden pipe–weighing over 200 lbs!
.
Hundreds of low-voltage wires have been replaced.
ABOVE: old hazardous motor starter and disconnect for blower, which provides the air that makes organ pipes produce notes.
BELOW: new motor starter and safety disconnect
All of this work was required BEFORE specialists could be brought in to
—install various unique electrical components which are still needed for the keyboards to “communicate” with the pipes.
—Completely tune and regulate over 2,000 pipes–for 1st time in 100 years!
— How YOU can help —
Organ restoration: How You Can Help… – 1876 Henry Erben Organ Waterbury CT
Valley Organ Restoration Co. LLC
Christopher Schaefer, President & Project Manager
CT Business ALEI 2911668
‘To restore all in Christ’
Dum tempus habemus, operemur bonum ad omnes, maxime autem ad domesticos fidei. (Gal. 6:10)
1876 Henry Erben Organ Waterbury CT 