Staten Island Episcopal church plans digital upgrade for 118-year-old pipe organ

STATEN ISLAND, New York (WABC) -- For 118 years, a 1,000-pipe organ has filled the Church of St. Andrew on Staten Island with the sound of worship. Now, the Episcopal church is preparing to replace the aging instrument with a new digital organ after determining the cost of restoring the original was beyond its budget.

“We hear in the book of Psalms, make a joyful noise unto the Lord,” said the Rev. Terrence Buckley of the Church of St. Andrew. “Music has the ability to elevate the sense of worship and even transport you to that heavenly realm and reminds us that we are in the presence of God.”

Buckley said the organ, like other man-made objects, has reached the end of its lifespan.

“Anything by made by human beings is eventually going to wear out unlike that which is made by the Lord, which lasts forever,” he said.

The church was quoted $1 million to restore the organ. Instead, leaders chose to install a new digital organ at a cost of $275,000.

Supporters of the project say the replacement will closely replicate the sound of a traditional pipe organ.

“We visited another church that has this organ and the sound. If you didn't see the organ, you just heard the sound. You would think it was a pipe organ,” said Dennis Genovese, parish historian.

While the church plans to remove the damaged pipes, those facing the sanctuary will remain in place for aesthetic purposes.

Founded in 1708 and later granted a charter by Queen Anne, the Church of St. Andrew continues to preserve its history. The church also displays its original King James Bible from the Crown.

Church leaders hope to raise the necessary funds from congregation members and the broader community. They have collected $150,000 so far, putting them roughly halfway toward their goal.

The new digital organ is expected to be installed in time for Christmas, marking a new chapter for the historic church founded before the American Revolution.