St. Paul's cannot escape 9/11, and it doesn't really try. Rescue workers rested there those first few days after the attacks. Heroes prayed there. The memories haunt every ancient corner. And for the seven years since, one of the church's most cherished features, its massive pipe organ, has been silent.
But the organ has now been restored and on Friday, at Good Friday services, it will be played for the first time since a nation's tragedy silenced it.
The 1,680-pipe organ has undergone a complete cleaning. Nearly three gallons of dirt have been removed and two bent pipes were replaced.
The housing for the organ was built in 1802 and the music, well, they've been using a piano since the organ succumbed to the dust of 9/11. And it just hasn't been the same.
Nearby, construction has started on a new building where the World Trade Center stood. It is springtime at St. Paul's, and on Easter, they will celebrate the resurrection of so much.
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
USEFUL LINKS:
