05/13/2026
Please join us at the North Sandwich Friends Meeting to celebrate the homecoming of our Estey Artist Model Z reed organ with an inaugural concert and brief talks about the instrument, its history, and the restoration process.
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Time: 4.30 – 6 p.m.
Place: North Sandwich Friends Meeting, 354 Quaker Whiteface Road, North Sandwich, NH
Just over one hundred years ago, the North Sandwich Friends Meeting bought a remarkable, top-of-the-line reed organ for its Meeting House. Over time, the North Sandwich Quakers reverted to the older style of silent, meditative meetings for worship and the organ fell into disuse and disrepair. Although we still worship mostly in silence, we recently decided to restore the organ, an extraordinary instrument that should be played and enjoyed.
The Model Z contains up to 400 separate brass reeds, which allow it to produce a wide range of sound qualities, tonal colors, and volume and it is capable of performing a great variety of music.
Our special guests will describe the instrument and its history, play short pieces of concert repertoire that will show off the organ’s musical capabilities, and lead the audience in song.
Participants will include:
George Wiese, Waterford, ME, organist, Music Director of the Mt. Washington Valley
Choral Society, and President of the Estey Organ Museum in Brattleboro, VT.
Bruce Stevens, owner of 1001 Keys and Co, Wells River, VT, who restored the organ.
The Silver Lake Singers, a chorus whose members share a love of singing and the desire for service through the gift of song.
Peggy Johnson, Wonalancet, beloved local musician and one of the few who has played the organ in the past.
All are warmly welcome. The event will end with a reception and refreshments. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary.
