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Last Sunday Joan Solomon played pieces by Handel and Bach on the century-old organ. Photos by Ralph Stewart

An organ is played with hands and feet as Gary Zwicky shows here. Mr. Zwicky played Rheinberg's Sonata No. 7 in F minor and was joined by Elaine Zwicky for "Duet for Organ" by Samuel Wesley.

Musician and teacher Dan Murphy holds his daughter Isobelle at the Unitarian Universalist Society organ recital. Mr. Murphy played the finale to the concert.

Gathered in front of the newly refurbished organ are (from left to right) musicians Sandra Turner, Ralph Knapp, Joan Solomon, Elaine Zwicky, Carol Loud, and Gary Zwicky. These organists, along with Dan Murphy, provided an afternoon of music.

A century of music and still countingOne hundred years ago the organ committee of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Martha's Vineyard made an offer of $1,000 to buy a $1,150 organ from the Hook and Hastings Company in Boston. After some haggling it was agreed that the church would buy the organ for $1,100, but only after a one-month trial period. “If not satisfactory, it may be returned” wrote the committee.

The church was very happy with their purchase and now the organ, a tracker organ model #5, has a new lease on life. The refurbishment is now complete, done by the Andover Organ Company and Jeremy Adams, an instrument maker. No restoration was necessary; all the parts are original. The pump organ was electrified in the early 20th century, eliminating the need to hire pump boys for Sunday mornings.

The year-long refurbishment was made possible by a grant from the Farm Neck Foundation and generous donations from many people.

The first of two organ concerts took place last Sunday afternoon. Carol Loud, Ralph Knapp, Dan Murphy, Sandra Turner, and Gary and Elaine Zwicky were all asked to play.

This Sunday, April 17, eight organists will play the historic organ in another concert. Carol Loud, Wesley Brown, Peter Boak, Martha Child, Phil Dietterrich, Michele Jones, Nancy Rogers, and Joan Solomon are scheduled to play. The concert will be free, with donations welcome. A reception will follow.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear this historic instrument played by Island musicians.

Next Performance

Hook and Hastings Organ recital, Sunday, April 17, 3 pm, Unitarian Universalist Society, 238 Main Street, Vineyard Haven. Free. Donations accepted. Reception follows.