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Organ work begins in Boe Memorial Chapel

By Tom Vogel
January 10, 2006

Preparatory work has begun in Boe Memorial Chapel to ready the chancel for the installation of the new Holtkamp pipe organ. As a part of this project, the primary location for the musical leadership of worship will move from the rear gallery to the chancel.

Before Christmas the chancel's stone altar and staging were removed, and demolition work on the stone steps started. Recently the first two rows of pews were removed to afford space for the temporary Allen organ, temporary choral risers and the existing worship platform. Most work in the chancel involves re-shaping and significantly increasing the density of the ceiling and sidewalls to create an optimum "sending end" that will improve the sound projection into the nave from the choirs, organ and other instruments.

Following the final chapel and church services of the current academic year, and once construction on the chancel is finished, including the creation of new, permanent choir risers, work in the nave will begin. This will involve constructing a new thrust worship platform to replace the portable blocks currently in use. The new platform is designed to integrate with a new, portable staging system for orchestra and band performances. When the nave platform construction is completed, installation of the new organ will begin.

The initial stages of construction have been planned to minimize disruptions and preserve key elements of the chapel. Work is scheduled around daily chapel services, with heavier construction taking place after class hours. The organ's pipe fa?ade has been carefully designed so that the stained glass window will remain the focal point in the chapel, and will be visible to the entire congregation.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.