Sold not to the highest bidder.............

[Corno Dolce]

Well,

Just read that Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA has been sold to the Catholic Church in So-Cal for $57.5 million - Chapman University offered $59.5 million. Guess property values in So-Cal will tumble even more now for the beleaguered residents in that part of the State.

Such a great lot with great buildings, infrastructure, and a magnificent organ to boot - Really, a paltry sum in my mind. Church is not about the charismatic leadership of any human leader - Christ is the Leader!!!

 

[Krummhorn]

This is upsetting news ... Chapman College is one of the finest universities for the Fine Arts, and the GGCC would have made for an excellent teaching location, and would have allowed the congregation to continue worshiping on the site where they have gathered for nearly five decades.

What concerns me is the Hazel Wright Memorial Organ ... I am seriously hoping that the RC church will properly maintain this magnificent instrument, one of the top 5 largest organs in the world. The RC church typically underpays their musicians, so I am also hoping that they are able to obtain an organist that will be able to handle this instrument properly. Hopefully the local chapter of the AGO will be able to help them with this.

What I feel the most remorse for is the present congregation ... they are left out in the cold with no place to worship any longer ... well, they could attend Mass instead, but will no longer be able to hear their RCA ministers preach. I was one of about 20 applicants for an organist post there back in 1966 - obviously, I didn't get the job (their loss perhaps) ... the audition was on the original 3 manual Wicks that was in the first 'glass house' worship center, now called the Arboretum.

Guess, we'll just have to wait and see what happens next.

*RCA = Reformed Church in America (Dutch Reformed)

 

[GoneBaroque]

I recall reading when the GGCC was built that the organ, which I believe is a Ruffati was designed by Virgil Fox. Unfortunate, Lars; that would have been a great experience.

 

[wljmrbill]

Such a large space for a parish church.. Hopefully will be a cathedral with all the trimmings.and put that organ to a good glorious workout.. maybe .

 

[Corno Dolce]

This is upsetting news ... Chapman College is one of the finest universities for the Fine Arts, and the GGCC would have made for an excellent teaching location, and would have allowed the congregation to continue worshiping on the site where they have gathered for nearly five decades.

What concerns me is the Hazel Wright Memorial Organ ... I am seriously hoping that the RC church will properly maintain this magnificent instrument, one of the top 5 largest organs in the world. The RC church typically underpays their musicians, so I am also hoping that they are able to obtain an organist that will be able to handle this instrument properly. Hopefully the local chapter of the AGO will be able to help them with this.

What I feel the most remorse for is the present congregation ... they are left out in the cold with no place to worship any longer ... well, they could attend Mass instead, but will no longer be able to hear their RCA ministers preach. I was one of about 20 applicants for an organist post there back in 1966 - obviously, I didn't get the job (their loss perhaps) ... the audition was on the original 3 manual Wicks that was in the first 'glass house' worship center, now called the Arboretum.

Guess, we'll just have to wait and see what happens next.

*RCA = Reformed Church in America (Dutch Reformed)

The Catholics have been wanting a Cathedral to serve that area with 1.2 million parishioners...And now they get one on the cheap!!!

Of course, can you imagine if no one really takes the time necessary to keep the reeds in tip-top shape...The whole instrument will sound like a hurdy-gurdy on steroids - YUCK!!!

 

[Krummhorn]

In respect to keeping the organ in tune, I do believe there is an Endowment fund for organ care that was established by the organ's donor, Hazel Wright. What I do not know are the specifics of that endowment if it applies to the organ in all perpetuity, or only while it is/was a working parish for the RCA denomination.

They are able to keep the temperature inside that building fairly constant - there is no air conditioning system, rather windows at the top of the building that open and closed, regulated by thermostats. There is a heating system though.