Struggling churches and other non-profit groups are abandoning their pipe organs. Now organ rescue groups are popping up, with potential projects for woodshops in disassembly, refinishing and non-technical repair.

Pipe organs have a long history in concert halls, churches and parishes, worldwide. Created in ancient Greece, the rich, regal tones of the pipe organ have delighted classical, sacred and secular music enthusiasts for centuries. The 20th century even saw the rise of pipe organs in theaters to accompany the popular silent movies of the period.

The instruments are on the wane today, a result of changing music styles, costs and space constraints. While specialist pipe organ builders still exist (The Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America listing 27 builder members on its website) some are also under pressure. In June, master wooden pipe organ builders Wicks Organ Company downsized, auctioning off its building, along with excess inventory and equipment and shifting staff to independent contractor status.

As pipe organs fall into disuse, rescue groups arise. The Wall Street Journal reports on MA-based Organ Clearing House, which collects abandoned pipe organs and matches the instruments with a buyer.

The Detroit Free Press reported this summer on a team of workers that rescued a nearly 5-ton pipe organ with approximately 2,800 wooden and  metal pipes from Ford Auditorium in Detroit, which was soon to be demolished.

A Baltimore Pipe Organ Rescue blog lists local pipe organs that are no longer in use. Many of them reside in churches that have recently closed, are slated for closure or where the congregation is simply looking for a buyer.

An Opportunity for Woodworkers
Organ pipes can be made from metal or wood; organ casings are also made of wood. Typical tonewoods used in manufacturing the instruments include coniferous and hardwood, providing acoustical properties from hard and dense to light and resonant.

With many pipe organs in need of repair or removal, this could possibly open up a potential for custom woodworkers looking to diversify.