Community in harmony with organ appeal

THE Kiama Presbyterian Church is pleased with the community's reaction to their "organ sponsorship" program.

The Church's organ is receiving much-needed maintenance before its centenary in September.

To pay for the restoration, two months ago the church gave the community the chance to almost literally own a piece of the organ with its sponsorship program.

Individuals can sponsor any part of the instrument, including the keys or pedals.

Church management committee member John Hanrahan said the public had shown great interest in the program.

"A lot of people are aware of the problem and have given us a donation. We've raised in excess of $3000," Mr Hanrahan said.

"This response has come from members of the church and Kiama communities."

Ian Brown, the organ specialist cleaning the instrument, said he believed the organ hadn't been cleaned for 40 years.

"There was a thick layer of dust covering everything, with plaster falling off and all kinds of things."

Mr Brown said the organ was in "reasonable condition" and had a potential lifespan of 1000 years.

Mr Hanrahan hoped the church would raise the $10,000 required to pay for the restoration.

If you would like to help out, call Jim Hanrahan on 4296 9650.