Community Service and Involvement
St. Luke's Organ 50 year
Restoration Project
Rotorua.
In August this year, the organ at St. Luke's Rotorua is to undergo it's 50 year servicing.
This is a massive project requiring significant funding.
A Little History...
In 1974 Mrs. Jessie Richards, a choir member and organist, made a bequest inaugurating the "St. Luke's Organ Fund".
With the support of the 1974 Vestry, an organ fund committee was set up to facilitate a quality pipe organ for church
and community. This was achieved through the generosity of both the community and parishioners.
The organ of neo baroque design was built by George Croft & Son, of Auckland, under the skilful direction of Mr. Ken
Aplin. The organ was installed in September 1979 and dedicated by the Right Reverend Ralph Matthews, Bishop of
Waiapu on St. Luke's Day 1979. Over the years internationally acclaimed organists from Germany, USA, Finland,
Italy, Belgium and New Zealand have visited to play this special instrumental. John Wells has also recorded two CD's
on the instrument.
In 1987 the church was extended, and the organ was moved from the west to the south wall. In 2001 the shutters for
the positive organ were changed to be more suitable for choir accompaniment. At the same time two new stops were
added and the casework modified.
The organ has stood up well to the toxic atmosphere in Rotorua, but attention is needed to insure that the organ
remains in recital condition for many years to come. A bound organ book (from which this article was sourced)
records the people and organisations whose vision and generosity made this organ possible.
The latest maintenance project will commence on the 7th. of August and is expected to take 6 weeks. Donations to
cover the cost of this current project would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to contribute you may contact Angie
by email admin.rotorua@waiapu.com or deposits can be made to account number 02 0412 00400 003. Please use
'organ' as reference and the name to be entered into the organ book. A 'Givealittle' page has also been created and you can access this here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/st-lukes-organ-50-year-restoration-project
St Luke's Centreshop
Our Op-Shop sells good quality second hand clothes, kitchen items and books. We are always keen to receive donations of good quality second hand goods.
Opening hours:
10am-4pm Monday to Friday.
10am-1pm Saturday.
Great shopping for real bargains. Contact: 07 349 0251
St Francis Whanau Aroha Centre
Is our Early Childhood Centre based at 13 Thomas Cres. Western Heights, Rotorua.
We are a faith-based Early Childhood Centre operating as a service provided by the Waiapu Anglican Social Services (http://www.waiapuanglicansocialservices.org.nz/) and locally supported by the Parish of St Luke's. For enquiries please call the Manager on 07 347 3080
Growing Through Grief
An Anglican Social Service which provides peer support for children and young people who are missing someone important from their lives. This could be from death, separation, divorce, prison or shifting house or town.
Call Wendy Leong 07 350 3384 or email gtgrotorua@seasons.org.nz .
Anglican Missions Is an International Development Aid and Missions Agency.
Each year our church donates a significant amount to Anglican Missions. If you are wondering what happens to these funds. Please check out this website.
https://anglicanmissions.org.nz
From Anglican Missions web site.
"We're motivated by putting the love of God into action and bringing hope to people who are vulnerable and living in poverty.
Working with and on behalf of the Anglican Church in New Zealand and Polynesia, we support a range of partners to carry out Christian Mission, development and humanitarian aid.
Our work let's us collaborate with a range of agencies both in New Zealand and all over the world."
