On January 11, 2009, St. Benedict will celebrate the golden anniversary of the dedication of its present church. For some time the pastor, Father Joseph Gallardo, has been pondering and questioning how the parish might suitably mark such an important milestone in parish’s history. Many ideas and suggestions surfaced – some of which may yet be used--, but the one that received universal applause was the installation of a new organ.
The church’s original layout and acoustic environment called for a pipe organ. Funds, however, did not permit such a luxury. Since 1974 an Allen electric organ (whose digital system was designed in 1969) supplied the liturgical music. In recent years it has often required repair and could not be relied on.
After much consultation, the parish has decided to install a new electric Rodgers 778 organ which replicates the esthetic sounds of pipes without prohibitive cost and maintenance. It was installed Thursday, October 23, and hence made its debut on the following Sunday.
The Rodgers Company has assured St. Benedict that this jubilee organ will supply all musical needs with beauty and dignity for now and for many future years. The price of the organ was neither inexpensive nor exorbitant; several donors have already contributed to the cost of this fitting anniversary memorial, and others will soon do so.
Fr. James McGuire, OAR
