1880s pipe organ being restored

A historic pipe organ in Tignish, P.E.I. is headed to Montreal for repairs.

The organ at St. Simon and St. Jude Catholic Church was built in 1882 by Louis Mitchell, a Montreal organ builder.

Stephen Sinclair of Juget-Sinclair Organbuilders in Montreal said it's one of the largest Louis Mitchell organs in existence.

"There's very few that are left that are playable, so it has a huge historical importance," said Sinclair. "What happens is they get modified until there's nothing left of the original. This one is very original, it's a real gem."

Workers spent days dismantling the century old instrument. Its 1,100 pipes range in size from less than an inch to 16-feet long. All moving parts are made of wood.   "In the 1880s they made everything big and heavy and solid and the scale of everything surprises us, even though we see it every day. You just can't believe how huge they made everything," said Sinclair.

Parishioners tell a story that the organ was originally intended for Charlottetown, but wound up in Tignish by mistake. However, workers dismantling the instrument this week made a discovery inside the wood cabinet that suggests otherwise. Labeling inside indicates the organ was probably ordered by Reverend Macdonald for Tignish.

"You can see inscriptions from the shop that say '#29 Tignish', so it's written right on some panels. We've seen evidence in the contracts of Louis Mitchell," said Sinclair.

The community has been collecting money for years to pay for restoration. The total cost is more than $100,000.

In addition to restoring and replacing worn parts, craftsmen will return the organ to its original pitch.

Organist Antoinette Perry said it will sound better than ever.   "I am so thrilled. Actually the best description I can give — it's like a child waiting for its favourite toy to be fixed," said Perry. "It's part of my family. My grandmother, mother and I played it. It's an important part of the community."

The restoration could have an upside for local tourism as well. When restoration is complete, the parish wants to encourage more tourists to come through the church and see the organ in its original condition.

Most of the organ is now on its way to Montreal for restoration. It will be shipped back in the spring.

It took about three days to take the organ apart. It will take about four weeks to put it back together.