Kauai's Only Pipe Organ
The 5-Year Reconstruction Project
The 1982 Schoenstein renovation,
shown in 2016 before decommissioning https://pipeorgandatabase.org/organ/8752 |
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The History of the Organ
The Episcopal Church in Hawaii began in 1862 when King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma invited the Church of England to Hawaii. The King and Queen supported the Church’s establishment throughout the islands. All Saints’ Episcopal Church was founded in 1924 and moved to its current location in 1925. The new location was a gift of land by the Ali‘i (Hawaiian Royalty).
In 1925, Mrs. S. W. Wilcox generously donated an Austin Chorophone Pipe Organ to Kauai’s first Episcopal mission, All Saints’ in Kapaa. It was the first pipe organ on Kauai. Ninety years later, the historic instrument is still Kauai’s only pipe organ.
The pipe organ is a unique feature of All Saints’ Church and an integral and popular part of the Church’s worship services and community music outreach program. Unfortunately, age and the tropical environment took their toll on original instrument. The pipe organ’s various wood, metal, and leather parts were deteriorating. Routine maintenance and minor repairs were unable to stop the inevitable finale of the pipe organ’s lifespan.
In 1925, Mrs. S. W. Wilcox generously donated an Austin Chorophone Pipe Organ to Kauai’s first Episcopal mission, All Saints’ in Kapaa. It was the first pipe organ on Kauai. Ninety years later, the historic instrument is still Kauai’s only pipe organ.
The pipe organ is a unique feature of All Saints’ Church and an integral and popular part of the Church’s worship services and community music outreach program. Unfortunately, age and the tropical environment took their toll on original instrument. The pipe organ’s various wood, metal, and leather parts were deteriorating. Routine maintenance and minor repairs were unable to stop the inevitable finale of the pipe organ’s lifespan.
The Reconstruction Project 2016 - 2021
Manuel Rosales
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Disney Hall Organ (Los Angeles)
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Rebuilding Kauai’s only pipe organ was a vital component to All Saints’ realizing its dream to serve God by serving God’s people on Kauai, both those who call this island home and those who visit our beautiful paradise. The church felt called to launch and continue the second century of the Church’s mission, ministry, and legacy of our gracious donors before us -- in service to God and the people of Kauai.
All Saints’ revitalized its mission and vision -- to be a gathering place for the people of Kauai -- a center for worship, education, outreach, and the arts.
In January 2016, the Vestry of All Saints' Episcopal Church and Preschool approved a capital campaign to reconstruct Kauai's only pipe organ. The project included some enhancements to the sanctuary and the adjoining spaces to support the pipe organ’s functionality and the vision of the music program.
All Saints’ contracted with Rosales Pipe Organ Services, Inc. of Los Angeles, California. Manuel Rosales and his team brought extraordinary expertise to the project. Manuel Rosales is a member of the International Society of Organbuilders (ISO) and the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO). He is also a founding member of the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the Organ Historical Society (OHS), a past national councilor for the Organ Historical Society.
When Morris Wise, a former colleague of Manuel’s and a member of the All Saints’ ‘Ohana, volunteered to serve as the Senior Project Manager and Organ Consultant for All Saints’, he contacted Manuel immediately. Morris explained the uniqueness, historical, and cultural implications of the project, leaving Manuel deeply interested and eager to begin. He would go on to design an entirely new organ which includes Hawaiian nomenclature on the stops. The organ gives a nod to its heritage, the church's English lineage, and is eclectic and versatile.
Community Outreach
All Saints’ is committed to being a center for the arts on Kauai. The recent gift of a grand piano to the Church and the reconstruction of the pipe organ will offer to the community a one-of-a-kind performance and rehearsal venue. All Saints’ will continue to open its doors to groups and individuals wishing to have access to the musical resources at the Church.
Click on the links below to learn more about our various outreach projects
PRESS CENTER
| 02/04/16 Press Release: All Saints' Launches Campaign |
