James Konzelman, the repairman craftsman who restored the 85-year-old Estey pipe organ for St. John’s Lutheran in Bloomfield, called the congregation’s ability to raise more than $100,000 to do a full restoration on the instrument “a miracle.”
The organ, which was built for the church in 1925 and has over 990 working pipes (in addition to some “dummy pipes” placed near the altar for visual symmetry) has only been completely renovated once before, during the 1970′s. “No other instrument can offer the range of emotions this organ can,” Konzelman explained. Improvements to the organ include a new electrical control system, a reconfigured swell box, new wind chests, rebuilt pedal chests and an overhaul to the total instrument’s structure.
Konzelman noted that the 1920′s model was build during an organ manufacturing boom. While NJ produced its share of organs, the St. John’s Lutheran’s instrument was made by the Estey Organ Company in Brattlesboro, Vermont.
According to the church treasurer, Rudy Block of Glen Ridge, “the church organ fundraiser began in 2002 and money was raised in many different ways, including bi-annual rummage sales, Christmas decor sale tables, various holiday dinners and financial gifts from parishioners and ex-parishioners.” Additionally, a faith based, financial organization, Thrivent Financial, matched the funds up to $1,300 for the first 7 years.
A concert to celebrate the newly refurbished organ is in the plans For more information contact
I must make a correction to this story. To identify Jim Konzelman as simply a “repairman” is inaccurate, bordering on insulting. I have known Jim for many years and while he does indeed make repairs on organs, Jim is an artist. He is a first-rate organ builder and restorer. He possesses a set of skills that are both unique and rare. To take an organ from inception to completion, an organ builder must be an engineer, a mechanic, an architect, an electrician, a carpenter, and most importantly a visionary who can project what finished project will be and then have the discerning ear to complete the tonal finishing. Kudos to Jim on a job well done!
When my car makes a grinding noise, I take it to the Car Artist for a look. When my kitchen sink won’t drain, I call the Plumbing Artist. And often on Saturday evenings, just as I sit down to partake of the fruits of my own artistry at the grill, the idiot Lawn Artist next door decides to power up his mower.
Wow wallroo … it’s a tough life ya got there ..
musicmuse, we certainly meant no disrespect in our reference to Jim Konzelman, and didn’t intend to diminish his talent and artistry. We’ve edited the piece, and now call him a craftsman. I hope that better reflects Jim’s work.
Non sequitur…
Thank you so much for your modification. I think that the word craftsman much better describes Jim’s vocation.