The organ prior to refurbishment.

Pipes stored sardine style, waiting to be refinished.

I don't have a clue what any of this stuff might be.

"THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THAT ANYMORE!"

Yesterday, the BBC ran a news story on the I-phone that was introduced at the Las Vegas Technology Exhibition. The reporters and talking heads were absolutely raving about this latest advance in the world of electronics.

On Monday two organ builders arrived at Central URC to begin a restoration project on our pipe organ. It will take between 8 and 11 weeks and will cost approximately £20,000 ($40,000 USD). Yes, I realise that is quite expensive, and yes the money could probably have been used in much more compassionate ways, but I'm sure if I would have suggested it Maurene and I would now be heading back across the Atlantic seeking relatives who would take us in until we found jobs.

But, as I talked to the organ builder I began to understand some of the congregation's great love for this magnificent instrument. The original builder, William Sweetland, installed the organ in 1888, or 110 years after the founding of Argyle Chapel (now Central URC). That means that it has been in continuous service to worshippers (except for periods of maintenance and refurbishment) for 119 years. As the builder showed me around the interior of the pipe organ (something I had never seen before) he positively glowed when he talked about the exquisite workmanship and attention to detail that made the organ easy to maintain even after all this time.

We are blessed with gifted organists at Central URC. And, after refurbishment we anticipate having a concert that not only showcases our organists but our newly refurbished organ. The proceeds from the concert will go to charity -maybe to assuage any residual guilt feelings I might have.

It has me wondering, how many I-phones will still be around in 119 years?