On Halloween, Trinity United Methodist Church will host a concert to raise funds for preserving the historic Austin organ.
The Organ Spooktacular on Oct. 31 will feature performances by organists Matthew Michael Brown of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Chenault Duo, Chase Loomer of the Cathedral of St. Philip, and Oak Martin of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church as they perform iconic music like the theme from “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Donations will be accepted at the door for the preservation of Trinity’s Austin organ. Build in 1912, the organ is the oldest working pipe organ in Atlanta, and much like the Fox Theatre’s own historic “Mighty Mo,” the Austin organ accompanied silent movies and orchestra performances in the days before symphony hall. The church is raising $200,000 to preserve and move the organ during their future redevelopment.
Trinity, located in Downtown Atlanta across the street from city hall, is set to be redeveloped into a 15-story building with 83 affordable apartments for seniors. The project will require the demolition of a portion of the church building, while the sanctuary will be preserved and converted into a community arts center for South Downtown – thus, pushing the organ out of its current setting.
The Trinity congregation has committed to provide $100,000 for the effort to save the organ, with another $100,000 needed to take the organ apart piece by piece and store it until it can be moved to the balcony of the event space – which will then be a $1.5 million endeavor.
“We hope our campaign to Save the Organ will buy us time and lead to an angel donor or to find a worthy home in the city for this historic musical instrument,” Rev. Deborah Williams said. “We really don’t want to call for a dump truck.”
Trinity United Methodist Church’s Organ Spooktacular is Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at 265 Washington St. and will be live streamed. To donate to preserve the Austin organ, visit atlantatrinity.org/austinorgan.
Related stories:
• Report highlights The Stitch, potential of Downtown Atlanta ahead of World Cup
• Founding member reflects on Northside Church as it celebrates 75 years
