07/17/2026
Preserving the Voice of St. Bartholomew’s:
For more than sixty years, the magnificent organ at St. Bartholomew’s Church has enriched our liturgies with beautiful music and inspired countless worshippers through its powerful voice.
Installed in 1962, the organ was custom designed and built by the renowned Verschueren Organ Company of Holland, one of Europe’s leading organ builders. This remarkable instrument features seventeen stops and 961 pipes, each working together to create a rich and vibrant sound that has become an important part of our parish tradition.
Over the years, the organ has received regular maintenance and, in 2009, underwent repairs following damage caused by a roof leak. Today, however, the instrument requires extensive restoration to preserve its exceptional sound quality and ensure that it continues to serve our parish for generations to come.
The first phase of restoration is already underway. This work includes the replacement of 732 leather puffer pneumatics within the organ’s windchest. Each leather puffer must be individually measured and replaced to eliminate dead notes and restore proper operation throughout the instrument.
Much more work remains to be done. Future restoration phases include:
• Releathering the Great Ventil Pneumatics
• A complete console rebuild with updated wiring and PVC-coated cables
• Removing, cleaning, and reinstalling every pipe
• Removal, repair, and reinstallation of the upper pedal rack
• Replacement of two blower motors
• Releathering of the reservoir bellows
• Relacquering each pipe to restore its appearance and protect it for years to come
All restoration work is being expertly completed by Kerner & Merchant Organ Builders of Syracuse. Because of the highly specialized craftsmanship involved, the project is both labor-intensive and costly, with current estimates exceeding $100,000.
At the recommendation of the Parish Council, St. Bartholomew’s has established a dedicated Organ Repair Fund. All donations and fundraising proceeds will be reserved exclusively for this important project, with restoration completed in phases as funds become available and according to the priority of needed repairs.
If you or your organization would like to help preserve this treasured instrument and support the future of sacred music at St. Bartholomew’s Church, please consider contributing to the Organ Repair Fund by contacting our parish office at 607-337-2215. (We do not collect funds on Facebook. All donations are done through our parish office - please do not respond to any requests for donations.)
Together, we can ensure that the beautiful voice of our organ continues to inspire worship for many generations to come. Every gift—large or small—helps preserve this extraordinary instrument and the music ministry of St. Bartholomew’s Church.
