The organ at the First Presbyterian Church is the third largest in Cache Valley, just behind the organ at Utah State University and the Logan Tabernacle. It is also in dire need of restoration and repair.
Brandon Clayton has been the resident organist for the past three years at the First Presbyterian Church and is also a Temple Square guest organist.
“Some things that need to be done are voicing, the organ needs to be voiced for the room that it is in,” Clayton said.
He said that in the organ’s current state, performers are severely limited in what they can play.
“Some of the pipes every now and again have ciphers in them, meaning that the pipe valve will get stuck open and will just continue to play regardless of what is going on. The only way to turn it off is to turn the organ off and then to restart the instrument,” Clayton said.
Brenda Brunello is this project’s fundraising chair. Some events on the horizon include fundraising concerts and a silent auction.
“There is also going to be some ‘sweat equity’ that we’re going to be doing a little later this summer,” Brunello said. “So if you want to get involved and get your hands dirty a little bit as we do the installation of the new console, that’s another opportunity. So lots of ways for the community to get involved and help support this project.”
For more information about their fundraising program visit their website.