Bruton Parish Church recently announced the commission of a new pipe organ, which will be just the fifth one in the church building’s 300-year history.
The purchase of a new organ is part of a major fundraising campaign launched in recognition of the church building’s 300-year anniversary in September. The church itself was established in 1674.
The organ has been commissioned from Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, Ltd., a Lake City, Iowa-based company founded in 1974.
The new organ will be centered over the altar in east gallery of the church and will feature a painted poplar case with gilded façade pipes and a three-manual console in the chancel, according to a recent news release from the church.
The fundraising initiative – Campaign for the Fourth Century – set a goal of $8 million, of which $6.4 million has already been raised. The campaign will continue through 2016.
Of the money raised so far, $1.8 million has been earmarked for the new organ.
Bruton Parish has an active music ministry of Sunday services, Choral Evensong and Candlelight Concerts, all of which will use the new organ on a regular basis. The church’s current organists include Rebecca Davy, music director and organist; Dr. JanEl B. Will, organist; and James Darling, choirmaster and organist emeritus.
Bruton Parish Church is a congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. Since 2011, it has been under the leadership of its 35th rector, the Rev. Christopher L. Epperson.
