Now, you can.  The group responsible for acquisition and installation of the pipe organ now making music in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd plans to raise $25,000 to pay for the installation by asking residents to "adopt," or sponsor, a pipe.

Carole Kennedy, a member of the Protestant Parish who is one leader of the effort, says that the whole community will benefit.  "We really consider this to be a community organ because we plan to use it for things other than religious programs."  The organ itself was a donation acquired last summer when an Episcopal church in Rochelle Park, New Jersey, closed its doors.  "It's a wonderful gift," Kennedy said.  "The reason we're having an adopt-a-pipe plan is we want to get as many people in the community involved as we possibly can."

Pipes up for adoption are small ($25), medium ($50), and large ($100), each size having a choice among four categories:  Principal pipes produce the typical organ sound; reed pipes are brassy and strong, sounding like trumpets or oboes; flute pipes sound like flutes, and a string pipe produces sound similar to that of a viola or cello.  An adopter might support a medium flute pipe, for example, with a donation of $50, or a large reed pipe for $100.  A Recognition Book to be kept near the organ will list the pipes and their sponsors.  According to the group's fund-raising sheet, an entire scale can be adopted for $500.

Checks are payable to "Good Shepherd Organ Fund" and can be sent to Good Shepherd Organ Fund, c/o Carole Kennedy, 531 Main Street #712, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044; they can also be left for Kennedy at the Rivercross desk at 531 Main Street.

Click here for a form suitable for sending in a donation.

The process of acquiring and installing the organ began when its maker, Brother Richard F. Davidson, visited Good Shepherd to determine its suitability.  Organist Ian Hall and Choirmaster Martin Garratt then heard the instrument in its Rochelle Park setting before undertaking final arrangements for its installation on Roosevelt Island.