Noteworthy by Jon-Philip Olson, Director of Music and Worship Arts
Remember a year ago when two digital organs were brought in and awareness
made that our grand old lady of an organ is in need? I’m glad digital organs were brought in. Grace Church
has made it clear that we want to keep our pipes!
Remember that figure of $1,000,000.00 from Dobson Builders to renovate? Remember how much it
cost to tune each year? I am happy to say this summer the thought occurred to me that in all the discussions
and proposals, never did I see one from the Factory, Reuter Organ of Lawrence, KS. So, this summer I called
them. The president of the company came by and took a tour of our organ. After that meeting, here is where
we stand:
The organ does need some renovation. Mr Nuetel, the president of Reuter described it as we have two
and a half manuals out of three.
Immediate fixes:
• The organ chambers are lined with Homosote ®, a very good sound DEADENING material. He suggests
we line the organ chambers with plywood, thus creating a hard surface that resonates more.
• The organ cloth (speaker cloth) that lies between the sanctuary and the organ chambers is original, or at
least original enough to have not been cleaned and vacuumed since, well….if we remove the cloth and the
one inch layer of dust with it, we will remove another sound barrier.
Three proposals are in the works and being approved by Josh Morgan for tonal palate and needs and wants.
• For the price of a new digital organ (100,00.00 to 125,000 (notice I‘ve lost a figure!), our organ can be re-
stored by the original factory to it’s original splendor. This includes a solid state console and midi, the best
of new and original.
Save the Date! 37th Annual Dinner Drama is coming!
Please join the Grace Youth as they present YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (REVISED) during
the first week-end of March. This production is an all-new version with our favorite Peanuts characters and
their average days. This musical presentation will include 2 new songs and will continue our Grace
Youth tradition of combining delicious food with wonderful theater. Friday and Saturday evening perfor-
mances on March 4th & 5th will begin with dinner at 6pm, show at 7pm. The Sunday matinee on March 6th
will begin with dinner at 1130am, show at 1230pm. Adult tickets $18, Students (K-12) $10, Children (2-5
years) $5, Under 2 Free. Please plan on joining us for a fun time.
Reservations will be taken during February.