Someone call Danny Boy — the newly-restored pipes of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s historic organ are calling.
“It’s good to have the organ back,” said Father John Fisher, OSFS, the rector of the Camden Cathedral in Camden, which is the seat of the Diocese of Camden.
The instrument’s metal flue pipes, wood pipes, reed pipes and tuning slides, among other parts, were out of commission for over a year.
In October 2019, the organ was sidelined due to paintwork being done in the church. This work overlapped with the instrument’s own cleaning and restoration, begun last August by Stephen L. Emery, Inc. from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and lasting a month.
“It really needed the work,” due to extensive dirt and dust accumulation, says Andrew Ennis, the principal organist at the Cathedral for the past four-and-a-half years.
Pipes were removed, wiped down, vacuum cleaned and re-installed, and the organ was tuned.
The instrument has been uplifting souls in the cathedral since 1885, after it was built by the Hook and Castings Company out of Boston. It was enlarged by a Canadian company Casavant Freres in 1926.
Ennis is glad to be back behind the keys every Sunday for 8:30 a.m. Mass, with his fingers and a cantor making a joyful noise.
“We’re helping people connect with the liturgy,” especially now during the pandemic, he said, adding that that liturgical music should always “complement and support” the sacrifice of the Mass, never take a central role.
“Playing it has been wonderful,” he added. “Emery worked their magic.”
Mike Bedics, director of Worship and Christian Initiation for the diocese, calls the organ a “treasure” in South Jersey, and the recent restoration “a good thing.”
“It’s been a long time since the organ has been in the shape it is in now.” Twenty-five years, to be exact.
Bedics noted that his office is currently working on a livestreamed, once-a-month cathedral concert series that will feature Ennis and other diocesan musicians showcasing their talents and the beautiful sounds of the organ, to premiere next month.
“It is wonderful to be able to give God thanks and praise with song and music emanating from this spectacular instrument,” Father Fisher wrote in a letter thanking those who have donated to the cathedral’s restoration project. At press time, almost half of the work has been covered by the donations and a cathedral fund.
With two COVID-19 vaccines currently rolling out, Father Fisher is optimistic that later this year, more faithful can come to the cathedral to experience the rejuvenated organ in all its restored glory.
“I can’t wait for Easter, and the Grand Alleluia, with the full choir,” Father Fisher said.
To donate to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s organ restoration project, call 856-964-1580.
For those musicians interested in performing at the upcoming Cathedral Concert series, contact Mike Bedics at 856-583-2865.
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