Pipe organ at St. Paul's United Church in Fredericton will sound for last time Friday

Music from the majestic pipe organ at St. Paul's United Church will resound through the building for the last time Friday evening. 

Rev. Michelle Armstrong said the church's final recital is meant to be a celebration of the "amazing instrument."

It's "one of the largest east of Montreal," Armstrong told Information Morning Fredericton. "It's going to be a spectacular event."

While there is a solemn feeling around this final recital, she said the goal is to celebrate the joy that music brings to all.

"Music taps into our spirituality, our deep appreciation of life, and that is part of what St. Paul's has been and will continue to be when we land in our new home," Armstrong said. 

St. Paul's was sold this summer, as the congregation could no longer afford the required maintenance, including a $2-million roof repair. The congregation decided to sell the historic building, which sits at the corner of York and George streets downtown, and join the nearby Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church.

Sharon Pond has been the organist for St. Paul's for 20 years and said she will show all of the colours of the organ in her Halloween-themed final show on Friday.

It will feature a slide show and lights, which will be operated by her family. 

While she's excited to play, she is sad it will be her last time. 

"I'm devastated ... I just love it. I'm there every day for two to three hours. There's always something new to learn. It's a beautiful instrument," said Pond. 

She said the organ is the best in the city for several reasons.

"It was well designed for the building, so it [gives a] very balanced sound. I have lots of different pipes and stops so I can get lots of different sounds.

"It has a wonderful full organ sound that just makes the whole building vibrate."

Information Morning - Fredericton8:52​Final farewell at St. Paul's United

​In 1990 St. Paul’s United Church was designated a national historic site as a fine example of the High Victorian Gothic Revival Style. Now, in its 191st year, it's been sold. The church is holding its final organ recital tonight. Jeanne Armstrong spoke to Reverend Michelle Armstrong about what this means for her.

Pond said she will become the new organist at the Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, and while she's glad to continue playing, it won't be the same playing one that's a quarter of the size she's used to.  

Armstrong said she has "mixed feelings" about this final recital, a feeling matched by the entire community. 

"It's a celebration of all of that musical history and the talent that's played on and in that building for so long … It's bittersweet to have this wonderful event and know that this organ isn't going to sing in this way for this congregation in this beautiful space." 

The Thanksgiving Farewell recital will begin at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4.