September 2022
Hurricane Ian
Trinity-by-the-Cove's pipe organ is destroyed when Hurricane Ian causes severe flooding and damage to the church.
Music Ministry • A Firm Foundation
The New Pipe Organ
The story of Trinity-by-the-Cove's new pipe organ begins not with a building project, but with a storm. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian caused catastrophic flooding and damage to the church's pipe organ, destroying an instrument that had supported Trinity-by-the-Cove's worship and music for many years.
In the months that followed, the parish began planning for a new organ-an instrument that could continue Trinity-by-the-Cove's rich musical tradition and serve congregational worship for generations to come. Just two years later, Hurricane Milton caused additional damage to the church building itself, leading to the prayerful decision to build a faithfully replicated church elevated to withstand future storms.
Project Story
An Instrument for Trinity-by-the-Cove's Faithfully Replicated Church
The pipe organ has long been central to the worship and music ministry of Trinity-by-the-Cove. After Hurricane Ian destroyed the church's organ in 2022, the parish faced the unexpected loss of an instrument that had supported generations of congregational singing, choral music, and prayerful worship.
In response, Trinity-by-the-Cove began planning for a new pipe organ that could carry forward the church's rich musical tradition. Rather than simply replacing what had been lost, the parish undertook a careful process of study and discernment to determine what kind of instrument would best serve the worship life of the parish for decades to come.
Just two years later, Hurricane Milton caused additional damage to the church building itself. After extensive research by Trinity-by-the-Cove's Flood Resilience Committee, and after careful study, prayer, listening, and consultation, the Vestry affirmed a clear and faithful path forward: to build a new and faithfully replicated church elevated and strengthened to withstand future storms while preserving the beauty and character of the beloved sanctuary.
The new pipe organ now being built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders will become a central musical voice in that faithfully replicated church, supporting worship, congregational singing, and Trinity-by-the-Cove's choral tradition for generations to come.
Timeline
Project Milestones
Key moments in the story of Trinity-by-the-Cove's new pipe organ, from the loss of the previous instrument to the future installation and dedication of the new organ.
Late 2022
Organ Project Begins
Planning begins for a new pipe organ to serve Trinity-by-the-Cove's future worship and music ministry.
2022
Dobson Selected
After research, travel, and discernment, Trinity-by-the-Cove selects Dobson Pipe Organ Builders to design and construct the new instrument.
2024
Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton causes additional damage to the church building, deepening the need for a long-term path forward.
2024-2025
Decision to Build Anew
Following prayer, study, and consultation, the Vestry affirms the decision to build a new and faithfully replicated church at a higher elevation.
2026
Construction Begins
Work begins in the Dobson workshop where the organ's pipes, windchests, console, and mechanical systems are crafted.
2027
Installation
The organ is installed and voiced in Trinity-by-the-Cove's new sanctuary.
2027
Dedication
The parish celebrates the completion of the instrument and the beginning of a new chapter in Trinity-by-the-Cove's worship and music.
Organ Builder
About Dobson Pipe Organ Builders
Following the loss of Trinity-by-the-Cove's previous organ during Hurricane Ian, the parish formed a committee to study and recommend a builder for a new instrument.
Members of the committee traveled across the country to visit leading pipe organ builders, hear instruments in churches and concert spaces, and learn firsthand about the craft of organ building.
After this careful process of study, listening, and discernment, Trinity-by-the-Cove selected Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, a firm widely respected for its musical artistry, craftsmanship, and ability to create instruments that serve both worship and the architectural character of a church.
Based in Lake City, Iowa, Dobson has built instruments for churches, universities, and concert halls across the United States and internationally.
For Trinity-by-the-Cove, Dobson's role is not simply to build an organ, but to create an instrument shaped for this parish, this music ministry, and this faithfully replicated church-one that will support worship with warmth, clarity, and lasting beauty.
Dobson Pipe Organ Builders craftsman at work in the Lake City, Iowa workshop.
Instrument Design
Designing the New Pipe Organ
The new pipe organ for Trinity-by-the-Cove is being carefully designed in collaboration with Dobson Pipe Organ Builders to serve both the musical needs of the parish and the architectural character of the faithfully replicated church.
Every pipe organ is unique. Its size, tonal character, and visual design are shaped by the acoustics of the building, the style of worship, and the musical traditions of the congregation it serves.
The Trinity instrument will be designed to support congregational singing, accompany the parish choir, and provide a rich palette of sound for organ literature and special services.
As the design process continues, additional details-including specifications, stoplist, and renderings-will be shared as part of the ongoing story of the instrument.
Design Highlights
- Custom instrument designed for Trinity-by-the-Cove
- Voiced for congregational singing and choral support
- Designed to complement the architecture of the replicated church
- Crafted by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders
Project Updates
Progress on the New Pipe Organ
Updates will be shared here as the new pipe organ progresses through design, construction, installation, and dedication.
2024
Organ Design Work Begins
Dobson Pipe Organ Builders begins the detailed design process for the Trinity instrument, working with the parish to shape the tonal design and visual character of the organ.
2026
Construction Begins
Work begins in the Dobson workshop in Lake City, Iowa. Skilled craftsmen begin constructing the organ's casework, wind system, and pipework.
2027
Installation and Voicing
The completed instrument will be installed in Trinity-by-the-Cove's faithfully replicated church and carefully voiced to the acoustics of the new sanctuary.
A Firm Foundation
Part of a Larger Story of Resilience and Renewal
The new pipe organ is one part of Trinity-by-the-Cove's larger story of resilience, renewal, and faithful planning for the future. What began as the loss of an instrument after Hurricane Ian is now connected to the parish's broader effort to build a faithfully replicated church elevated and strengthened for generations to come.
As this work continues, the organ will become both a musical and visual centerpiece of the new church-supporting worship, congregational singing, choral music, and the sacred life of the parish.
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