while at idlewild this week, mrs. jones had the honor of working side-by-side (and under the same deadline) with the lovely gentlemen/artisans from the bedient pipe organ company. their task was to bring the works of the organ (which they had built 22 years ago) into the new century, replacing the fickle, temperamental old manual controls with unfailingly reliable electronic ones. the incredible knowledge and love these fellows have for their craft is so inspiring…it was like sharing an operating room with a team of the most gifted and experienced surgeons.
during breaks, we chatted gold leaf and other techniques they use to finish all the different components of each instrument….fascinating.
now here is a confession…one of my sins this week: coveting another’s tool box….just look at how organized they are (those drawers are numbered!):
sunday’s eleven o’clock service, the big “reveal” for the refurbished organ and speakers, will include very special guests, the memphis boychoir, directed by the wonderfully gifted geoffrey harris ward. if they are half as good as their rehearsal sounded today, we are in for a huge treat.