Restoration continues of the Beckerath organ of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Cleveland, Ohio. A gift of $100,000 by an anonymous donor will make it possible to complete the project in 2011.
Up to this point, the project has seen the Rückpositiv and the Pedal completely restored, including removal, repair, and cleaning of all pipework. Work included removal of all schwimmers, reconditioning them, and recovering them with rubber cloth fabric rather than leather.
Prior to the first phase of work, which was begun in 2009, all key action pull-down glands (pulpeten) were replaced to stop the enormous amount of wind drained out of the windchests. Due to this wind loss, many small cone-tuned pipes sustained damage and required repair.
Fortunately, not a single pipe was replaced. Each pipe was repaired and voiced to Rudolf von Beckerath’s original intent (or as close as humanly possible).
The Pedal façade’s ten zinc 16′ Prinzipal pipes received new languids because the original material did not hold its shape and continuously sagged. Tuning scrolls were repaired or replaced. The pipe feet and bodies were stripped of a thinly applied preservative, then sprayed with a paint that closely resembles the original appearance of the pipes.
In February and March 2011, the Kronpositiv and Hauptwerk divisions were dismantled and transported to the Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders factory in Bellwood, Illinois, for cleaning and repairs; in April these portions of the organ underwent tonal work. Next, the Schwellwerk will be reconditioned, and the four-manual keydesk with all of its mechanical couplers will be overhauled.
The firm performing this work is Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders of Bellwood, Illinois. The firm’s CEO and founder, Leonard Berghaus, is directing the work and is on site for every aspect of work being performed. His interest in this Beckerath began when the organ was installed in 1956.
Living in Cleveland, not far from the church, he spent many hours watching the installation and hearing the voicing. This organ played a major role in his decision to become an organ builder and eventually, in 1967, to establish his business.
Everyone is keenly aware of the historical significance of this organ, including its restorer, the organists who perform here every week, the Trinity congregation, and the Friends of the Beckerath Committee. To learn more about the organ and restoration campaign, visit www.clevelandbeckerath.org.
—Leonard Berghaus
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