2009­2010

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

To my eyes and ears the organ will ever be

the King of Instruments.

~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church has been gifted with a magnificent 1928 E. M. Skinner Opus 705 organ acquired from the now closed St. Columba Episcopal Church in Detroit. The Opus 705 was built during the height of the Skinner Organ Company’s craftsmanship and exhibits perfectly the tonal design from which the company earned a very distinguished reputation. Founded in 1901 by Ernest

M. Skinner, the Skinner Organ Company was the most prestigious organ construction firm in America.

Unfortunately, many of the earlier Skinner organs were destroyed and their beautiful original orchestral tone modified beyond redemption. The Opus 705 remarkably escaped the revoicing that produced a Baroque sound popular in the 20th century. Many organs lost their original pure tones (about 700 out of 1,000) during this phase. The Opus 705 did not go through this modification and therefore is considered rare and very desirable both historically and musically. The Skinner Opus 705 in its present condition appraises at $300,000. Once restored, the Opus 705 is estimated to be valued at $656,000.

What a wonderful, historic, and rare gift the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan has given to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church! A valuable organ with a truly remarkable sound that the congregation and community can enjoy at Sunday services and special concerts throughout the year. A gift that will be enjoyed now and for generations to come.

The Skinner Opus 705

Great 16' Bourdon 8' First Diapason 8' Second Diapason 8' Flute Harmonique 4' Principal II Grave Mixture

Swell 8' Diapason 8' Rohr Flute 8' Salicional 8' Voix Celeste 4' Octave IV Mixture 16' Waldhorn 8' Trumpet 8' Oboe d'Amore 8' Vox Humana

Choir 8' Orchestral Flute 8' Dulciana 8' Unda Maris 4' Flute Harmonique 8' Clarinet

Pedal 16' Diapason 16' Bourdon 8' Octave 8' Gedeckt 4' Flute 16' Waldhorn

Ernest M. Skinner - Opus 705 Specification 3 Manuals 26 Ranks 1,713 Pipes

Skinner 705 Fund Campaign Committee

The Reverend Marianna Gronek

Rosemary Berger

Gavin Craig

Bill Davenport

Derek Farr, Co­Chair

Margaret Hakim

Kevin O’Connor

Nancy Renick

Jim Veit, Co­Chair

Counsel: Candace Spaulding

Marilyn Graham

Candace Spaulding &

Associates

Ladies and Gentlemen; We are presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity that will have a lasting positive effect on the parish and the community at large. When St. Columba Church in Detroit closed, a 1928 E.M. Skinner Pipe Organ was at risk to be lost forever. There are approximately 300 unmodified Skinner Organs in the World, and only 5 in Detroit ( including the St Columba Organ ) . Ernest M. Skinner is widely considered to be the premier American Pipe Organ Builder of the 20th Century due to his exacting standards of custom building each instrument to the specifications of the church it was to be installed in and the tonal superiority of his instruments. This organ has been graciously gifted to St Michael’s Church, and our organ chambers have been professionally cited to be perfect for this specific organ and pipes.

As lovers of Detroit History, fans of all music, and proud St. Michael’s Parishioners, we cannot stress how important this project is to the future of St Michael’s Church. Expanding our music department is crucial to the growth of St. Michael’s Church. It will reward those long­standing members who deserve to enjoy this top­notch instrument in OUR church, as well as increasing our presence in the community to attract new members. We appreciate the great interest we have had during the initial phase of this project, and look forward to your continued support.

Thank you,

Derek Farr

Jim Veit

Letter From the Campaign Co-Chairs

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Do you know that our soul is composed

of harmony?

~ Leonardo da Vinci

Letter From The Rector

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St. Michael’s Episcopal

Church picture of choice

Dear Friends of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church,

Prior to my being called as the fourth rector, visioning meetings revealed an overwhelming majority of members recognized that viability as a congregation required significant growth in membership. You wisely understood that if St. Michael’s is to remain stable in membership, finance, and ministry, a continuing flow of new members must be assured. Good music is a primary element in any church’s intentional plan to attract and incorporate new members. A large suburban church like ours cannot neglect its music ministry, because music is one of the primary reasons those seeking a church will choose our parish over another.

I’m reminded of a quote often attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo, “He who sings well, prays twice.” Our music ministry must be the best it can offer. E. M. Skinner is widely considered the premier organ builder of the 20th century and the organs he built are featured in many churches, universities and concert halls throughout the United States. Skinner organs are of the highest reputation and deserve to be preserved because of their quality and historical value. The installation of the Skinner Organ, Opus 705 at St. Michael’s will greatly enhance worship, form an outstanding basis for developing the music program, and place our faith community on the cultural radar of musicians and performers of the highest caliber. We are indeed blessed to be the guardians of such a treasured and valuable example of Detroit’s faith and music heritage.

The Skinner Organ deserves to be preserved and retained in the greater Detroit area, as an icon of its past, and a beacon for its future. Installing the Skinner Organ at St. Michael’s will draw visitors and new members to our faith community, thus ensuring our beloved church will have a vibrant and strong future. I invite you to join with the Skinner 705 Fund: An Historic Organ Restoration Committee and me as we raise the necessary funds for installing the Skinner Organ, Opus 705 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.

Yours in Faith,

The Reverend Marianna Gronek

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 3/4 sanctuary picture

Music is the art of the prophets. ~ Martin Luther

2009­2010 Vestry Roster

The Reverend Marianna Gronek,

President Judy Appleton William Ball Mary Bamford

Barbara Barringer, Secretary Julie Biermann Beth Carpenter Steve Chan

Hannah Colborn Bill Davenport Derek Farr

Grant Gilezan, Warden Al Hanson Ed Haug

Kevin O’Connor Cheryl Mac Donald

Dale Pegg Dale Scrace

Dave Zmyslowski, Warden

Our Historical Timeline

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1947 Sunday, October 26, first service of the mission church of Christ Episcopal Church, Grosse Pointe. The mission, soon renamed St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, was held in the remodeled clubhouse of the Renmore Golf Club. The Reverend Edgar H. Yeoman was Vicar. 1950 Ground was broken for the new church and a small wing on a five acre tract of land. 1951 The church and small wing were dedicated by The Rt. Reverend Russell Hubbard, Suffragan Bishop of Michigan. 1952 St. Michael’s became a parish with The Reverend Edgar H. Yeoman named as Rector. 1954 Time to “rise and build again” for the 560 boys and girls in the church school. 1960 Classrooms, the Thrift Shop area, a new narthex, cloister and bell tower were added. 1972 St. Michael’s was consecrated January 23, after the mortgage was paid. 1973 The Reverend James A. McLaren came to serve as the church’s second Rector. 1975 The Memorial Garden was consecrated in May by Father McLaren. 1980 The Reverend Robert E. Neily was called to serve as our third Rector. 1984 The Reverend Karen Evans became the first ordained woman to serve on our staff. 1988 St. Michael’s received the Möller organ from Our Saviour Episcopal Church in Detroit when that church closed. The organ was renovated and expanded. 1989 The Chapel in the narthex was completed and further organ expansion was begun. 1990 The Reverend Deacon Jack Trembath began serving St. Michael’s as a part­time Deacon. 2000 Installation of an Aeolian organ, with a four­manual Möller console once installed at the University of Syracuse and rebuilt there under the direction of Marcel Dupre, who signed and dedicated it. This organ, designed by the Holden Organ Company and built by the Humpe Organ Company of Ohio, had 53 stops and 37 ranks of pipes, making a total of 2,257 pipes. 2007 Interim Pastor, The Reverend John E. Laycock, introduced the idea that St. Michael’s Episcopal Church might be

able to acquire the E.M. Skinner 705 organ from St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, Detroit. 2008 In June, St. Michael’s celebrated the new ministry of The Reverend Marianna Gronek as she became the fourth Rector. 2009 Vestry accepts offer of E. M. Skinner 705 organ from Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Organ moved successfully to

Muller Pipe Organ Company, Croton, Ohio. 2010 “Music In The Woods” concert series continues to support fundraising. Skinner 705 Fund Campaign in full swing.

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Campaign Costs and Goals Budget Category Amount

Opus 705 Restoration, Installation, tuning, and potentially applicable taxes Modify existing console Construction, acoustician, taxes Campaign consultant fees prior to installation

$237,184* 20,000 20,400 24,000

Campaign Goal $301,584

Donors may elect from a variety of support levels, some with naming opportunities that will carry your legacy or to honor or memorialize a loved one. Your gift can be made in one payment or through a multiple year pledge.

Special Opportunities for Giving

Music is well said to be the speech of

angels. ~ Thomas Carlyle

*The full restoration cost was $260,960 of which $23,776 was previously raised and utilized for organ removal.

A gift or pledge to the Skinner 705 Fund is a permanent investment in your church. Donors have the opportunity to support the organ’s restoration recognizing the importance of this unique and wonderful gift to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. An additional endowment will also cover future operational and scheduled maintenance expenses.

$250,000 Skinner Opus 705 Organ 100,000 Organ Alcove Chambers (2) 50,000 Organ Console; Great, Swell, Choir, or Pedal division pipework; Gallery Choir, Solo and Choir pedal divisions* 25,000 Organist Bench (1); Choir Pews (2) 15,000 Chancel Divisions, solo or choir (3) 10,000 Gallery divisions, Great, Swell, Choir or Pedal (4) 7,500 Pipe ranks (groups) (30) 5,000 Inaugural Concerts and Festivities; Music in the Woods (8) 2,500 Casebook underwriter; Recognition Displays (6) 1,000 Pipes (1,800); Semi­annual Tunings (6) * These optional improvements are to be addressed after campaign goal is met

Naming Opportunities (selections below are open to modification by donor)

However you choose to contribute, please know that your support is gratefully accepted at any level.

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Skinner 705 Fund Donor Groups

Benefits Distinguished Benefactor $100,000

Distinguished Patron $50,000

Benefactor

$25,000

Patron

$10,000

Sponsor

$5,000

Donor $1,000

Special Episcopal Diocese of Michigan Recognition Name Plate on Pipe Division Plaque Recognition Recognition In Concert Programs Special Recognition at Celebration Event Certificate of Recognition & Group Donor Picture

The Skinner Opus 705 organ, donated by the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, is a gift that St. Michael’s Episcopal Church will be able to share with the community through concerts and musical performances held in conjunction with key music faculty from Wayne State University’s Department of Music. We need your support to make this opportunity a reality for St. Michael’s Episcopal Church ­ a rare and invaluable organ of exceptional tone to be enjoyed by the congregation and the community.

Please join us in our campaign to restore the Skinner Opus 705 pipe organ for St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. The organ is an investment that you and your family will be able to enjoy each Sunday and at special services throughout the year.

Music gives a soul to the universe,

wings to the mind, flight to the

imagination, and life to everything.

~ Plato

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Music for Our Time

From our talented music director to our great adult and youth choirs, our music and song are inspirational to the congregation. Music inspires, calms, enlightens, teaches, brings hope, and nourishes the mind and spirit. Research has proven that good music is a primary element in retaining present members of the congregation and also in attracting new members. Music has been shown to be one of the primary reasons people will choose one parish over another.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church’s current organ is a hybrid instrument assembled from parts of three different organs over a period of years. It is now in need of extensive repair and revoicing. This expensive undertaking is estimated by several pipe organ companies to be between $300,000 to $656,000. Even so, the much needed repair would still result in only a moderately satisfactory instrument.

The Skinner Opus 705, for about the same level of resources, will bring a beautiful orchestral sound into the sanctuary. Preserving a part of America’s musical heritage will put St. Michael’s Episcopal Church on the map making the church a preferred venue for organ recitals and choral concerts. As part of a plan for growth, this “Icon of the past, and a beacon for the future” could help attract new members, build the church’s financial base, and leverage development of programs and outreach ministry.

As the Reverend John E. Laycock, the Rector of St. Columba from 1986­96, explains in a letter to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, the organ is a “rare and endangered musical instrument” and that this opportunity is exceptional and although the moment may not be convenient he is convinced that “God often seeks out the least optimal time to present his children with a new challenge.” The Skinner 705 Fund is a challenge we need to embrace.

He who sings well,

prays twice.

~ St. Augustine of Hippo.

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I often think in music. I live my daydreams in

music. I see my life in terms of music .... I get most joy in life

out of music.

~ Albert Einstein

When I accepted the position of Music Director at St. Michael’s in May of 2009, I stepped into a music ministry as dynamic as those I looked to for inspiration as a beginning organist. Many of my job requirements were firsts: I was going to be working with a semi­professional choir; I was expected to perform an hour­long recital within a month of my hiring; I would have the opportunity to work with other music leaders; I was given charge over a sizable pipe organ; and I was to be involved in the fund­raising campaign for an organ restoration. All of this was new to me, and it remains an honor to work here and live up to the high expectations of this congregation.

I take great pride in every facet of the music program here at St. Michael’s, and I believe there is potential for expansion as our parish grows. We are already seeing the adult choir gain new members, and our section leader positions allow for the excellent singing heard on Sundays. I look forward to the expansion of the youth choir and giving them a larger role in worship, as well as the possibilities of forming new ensembles. And naturally I look forward to playing the restored Skinner organ.

The new organ will allow for continued expansion of the music program. It will bring in new members for the parish and ensembles. Much of our Sunday music is drawn from the rich Anglican tradition, a tradition for which the organs of E. M. Skinner are well­suited. A shared goal of both the Reverend Marianna and myself is to move towards public celebration of the church’s Divine Office; the Skinner organ could be the crowning glory of a choral evensong service and attract visitors. We have a tradition of making an organ recital part of our Fireworks Festival in late June, and in this spirit I have founded the “Music in the Woods” series. This will be an excellent vehicle for sharing the new organ with the wider community through recitals of local and national organists, as we have been doing with other instrumentalists already.

While St. Michael’s has a rich history and a dynamic ministry today, I eagerly anticipate the boon of having this restored piece of Detroit history in our sanctuary. I look forward to the welcoming of new members eager to take part in our unique worship, and I especially anticipate giving my own recital on the Skinner when it is completed!

Gavin’s Vision

Skinner 705 Fund Campaign Events

The Skinner 705 Fund is in full swing. “Music in the Woods” events have been informative and entertaining. Thanks to the dedication of many, events like “Three Sundays in September” have enlightened parishioners and the community through presentations and music. Events are scheduled throughout 2009 ­ 2010 including a harpsichord recital, Wayne State University

Department of Music concerts, chorales, strings, and keyboard performances. Our fundraising events are open to the public ­ all are welcome to be a part of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church’s history making acquisition of a remarkable Skinner Opus 705 pipe organ.

For now, the Skinner Opus 705 is being stored at the Muller Pipe Organ Company. Mark Muller, whose grandfather and great grandfather worked for the E. M. Skinner Pipe Organ Company will be a central part of the organ’s restoration. The Muller Pipe Organ Company, established in 1919 and a charter member of the Institute of Organbuilders, offers experience in the areas of design and construction of new instruments, and in the restoration, service and maintenance of existing instruments.

As Dr. Eldonna May explains, “The Skinner Opus 705 will enable St. Michael’s Episcopal Church to expand its music ministry, attract talented music professionals from other parts of our state as well as from across the country, and better serve the needs of our congregation and the community at large with a high quality pipe organ capable of expanded repertoire during worship services”. The organ will make St. Michael’s Episcopal Church a destination venue for organ recitals and choral concerts, highlighting its investment in music education and the arts, thus attracting more individuals to the church while at the same time building the church’s financial base and leveraging development of programs and outreach ministries. Dr. May adds that the recent partnership between St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and Wayne State University’s Music Department is evidence of the potential power and capacity of this project to draw talented individuals to our choir, music ministry, and worship community.

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Mark Muller

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Booklet pages are printed on recycled paper

The Reverend Marianna Gronek, Rector

The Reverend Deacon Jack T. Trembath, Deacon

Gavin D. Craig, Music Director

Deborah Cooper, Christian Education Coordinator

Mary Gage, Parish Secretary

Patti Coe, Financial Secretary

Sara Mansfield , Sexton

Music washes away from the soul the dust

of everyday life.

~ Berthold Auerbach

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

Our Church Staff

Our Church Family

20475 Sunningdale Park Grosse Pointe Woods Michigan 48236

Phone: (313) 884­4820 Fax: (313) 884­4821

E­mail: office@stmichaelgpw.org

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church