What is the Value of Our Church's Existing Pipe Organ?
Value?
In ordinary parlance, value often refers to monetary worth. Indeed,
even an aging pipe organ in disrepair is often the single largest
asset of a church.
However, good stewardship regarding a pipe organ requires thinking of
all aspects of value. One reason fund raising for pipe organs so
often exceeds expectations (See Fund Raising) is that congregations
of all denominations readily appreciate the more spiritual and
intangible aspects of pipe organ value. The majesty of the instrument
expresses desires to glorify and worship God with the very best. The
unparalleled ability of an authentic pipe organ to lead singing gives
it value in helping build the cohesiveness of a congregation. (See
How Do Pipe Organs Make Music.)
Though not always greater, the monetary worth of a pipe organ is
easier to quantify than that of an electronic organ. The pipes of an
organ rarely lose their value. With few exceptions, pipes can be
revoiced after decades of use for a fraction of their original cost or
the cost of new pipes. Similarly, the chests, console, casework, and
structural elements of a pipe organ retain their value. Like antique
furniture, a well-maintained pipe organ can appreciate in monetary
value as it ages.
This makes rebuilding an aging pipe organ desirable because it allows
your church to preserve an asset with relatively less financial
outlay than replacing it. Rebuilding costs are especially minimal
when the bulk of the rehab involves simply installing or upgrading
the internal electric controls of the pipe organ. ( See
Features of a Modern Pipe Organ.)
In contrast to the lasting value of a pipe organ, electronic organs
usually depreciate rapidly and are of minimal value after a decade or
so. (See Pipe Organs vs.
Electronic Organs.)
Hundreds of qualified organ consultants and builders in North America
can assist your church in evaluating the monetary value of your pipe
organ. (See Directory of
Organ Builders.) Making this determination
is an important first step toward rebuilding a pipe organ. (See
How Do We Get Our Church
Organ Rebuilt?)
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