I am so excited for our parish, the greater community and for what the commissioning of Pasi, Opus 28, means for ministry at Saint George's and outreach to the community around us.   When I arrived in at Saint George's in the late spring of  2009 for my interview,  it became immediately apparent that Saint George's valued its music ministry, recognized music's importance in our faith lives and worship, and that there was a very strong desire to grow this ministry in dynamic and meaningful ways.  As our choirs have grown and blossomed these past years - both in numbers and musically - we have increasingly become aware of how inadequate our instrument is in supporting the beautiful music that these ensembles make.  As I lead you all in congregational song each week, I have become intimately aware of both the technical challenges and tonal limitations of our instrument for leading your glorious hymns of praise and prayer.  

Our new instrument (known as Opus 28) will be the 28th instrument built by Martin Pasi and company in their shop at the foot of Mount Rainier in Roy, Washington.  When it arrives in the Fall of 2020, our nave will be graced not only by a beautiful new instrument, but by a work of art lovingly handmade for our community and nave using time-tested practices.  It is designed with our ministries and worship in mind both today and into the future and it will be one that inspires our grandchildren's grandchildren as it continues to lead the church's song in this place. Opus 28 will be an instrument that inspires and leads congregational singing with clarity and sheer beauty, and one that fully supports our choir's work and becomes and equal partner in these proclamations.  It will not only be an instrument that leads our holy praises and prayer and inspires us to a deeper faith, but a gift to our community,  inviting them, and us, into the holy mysteries of God.

Opus 28, will take 14 months to be built.  Martin's shop will begin construction in June of 2019.  All 1,866 pipes will be handmade, as well as all of the organ's other parts.  The building of an organ is a fascinating and beautiful thing, combining a variety of trades and fine craftsmanship.  I encourage you to check out Martin Pasi's website to not only see his beautiful instruments, but to watch the many videos which show his team making pipes and building an instrument.  It truly is an exciting and amazing thing to watch these instruments be fashioned from raw materials.  You can find out more information on Opus. 28 and Martin Pasi on our organ project page.   

I look forward to this journey with you as we watch Opus. 28 come to life and become a part of this community's generous work to love God, serve others, and change the world.  

Soli Deo Gloria!
Ben Keseley, Minister of Music