Major gift moves church pipe organ project forward
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd has received a grant of $500,000 for the organ campaign from The Misdee Wrigley Miller and James Mather Miller Charitable Foundation. This gift brings the total amount committed to the organ fund to $1,300,000.
The church's vestry was informed of the gift at its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening and adopted a resolution dedicating the instrument in honor of Anna and Kenneth V.L. Miller and Dorothy A. Wrigley.
Ann and Ken Miller have been faithful stewards for the Church of the Good Shepherd ever since they became members in 1972. Ann created and has sustained the Cross Quilt Ministry for thirty years, providing quilts for the homeless, the elderly, veterans, and children. She chaired the Food Ministry, has been a member of the Altar Guild, and has served in many other supportive capacities in the church.
Ken was a founding partner for the acclaimed architectural firm CMW. He has given his time and talent to the church whenever there was a need from air conditioning to the first organ upgrading, providing advice and assistance for the placement of the new instrument. He has served as a vestry member and also as usher.
The Millers have been active in many civic and cultural organizations, including the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, the University of Kentucky Art Museum, and Camp Horsin' Around.
Dorothy A. Wrigley (1926-1992) was the daughter of Philip K. Wrigley and mother of Misdee Wrigley Miller. "Deedie", as she was known to her family, was lively and outgoing, had a great sense of humor, and loved people. She was involved in numerous charitable and civic interests, particularly in Phoenix, Arizona and Catalina Island, California. She raised Arabian horses and at one time owned 260 of that breed.
More action of the vestry
After hearing the final report of the organ committee, the vestry authorized the Senior Warden to sign a contract with Goulding & Wood Organ Builders of Indianapolis to build a 58 rank organ, which will include an antiphonal division and a four manual console.
The vestry also arranged financing with Kentucky Bank with very favorable terms.
Jason Overall, president of Goulding & Wood, anticipates having the main organ installed and playing by Christmas of 2012 and the entire organ completed before Easter of 2013. The organ was designed specifically for Good Shepherd's architectural and acoustical environment, is of an appropriate size, and its tonal qualities will match the traditional Anglican style of music and liturgy of the parish.
The process and the people
Organist Choirmaster John Linker and UK Organ Professor Schuyler Robinson were actively involved in the selection of the Goulding & Wood instrument. "After studying examples of numerous organ builders, the committee concluded that Goulding & Wood is the best fit for our liturgical needs, and when completed, this instrument will complement the many other fine organs here in Kentucky," said Linker, who has headed the music ministry at Good Shepherd since 2001. A new organ was under discussion for several years before he took the position.
Interim Rector Ron Pogue commended the vestry for their confidence in the worthiness of the project. "When they interviewed me in the summer of 2010, they said they wanted me to provide guidance in a campaign to replace the organ, which was in poor condition. At every stage of the process, the vestry expressed their confidence in the parish and in the worthiness of the project by unanimous votes. They were unwavering in their leadership, as were the organ committee and the campaign committee." Dr. Joseph Jones chaired the organ committee and Dr. George Zack chaired the campaign committee.
Dr. Zack expressed his gratitude, saying, "As a lifelong musician accustomed to fine performances and beautiful sounds, it is gratifying to know that our beautiful church will soon be adding its glorious new organ to our wonderful choir, enhancing our worship and creating moods never before heard here! Thank you for your generous spirit that makes this possible and thank my wonderful committee for its dedication and successful work!"
Misdee Wrigley Miller is a lifelong Episcopalian. James Miller, who is the son of parishioners Ann and Ken Miller, sang in the Good Shepherd Choir when he was a boy. Darryl Terry, the loan officer who represented the bank in setting up the loan, attended Good Shepherd as a youth. "The significant roles these individuals have played in this project is a testimony to the lasting impact The Episcopal Church can have in the spiritual formation of young people. This fine organ will continue that legacy of inspiration," said Pogue.What's next?
The campaign committee will continue to seek more contributions in order to ensure that ample funds are available to cover the entire cost of the organ and the additional engineering and construction costs. Dr. Zack believes there are others who will step forward to help raise another $200,000 now that it is certain that the project is going to be undertaken.
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