The organ at St. Paul's Chapel in Lower Manhattan has been given a new life. The organ which was updated in 1964 but dates back to 1802 has not been used since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
"There was a lot of dust and debris in this area," said Marilyn Haskel, "and the fear was the organ was permanently damaged."
For eight months after the attacks, St. Paul's Chapel served as a base to help with the relief efforts. As time went on, and finances became tight, the organ remained untouched.
But last month, workers at the chapel started to remove the panels behind the organ to see what was the damage. "There was an incredible amount of dust and debris," said Haskel, "We even found paperback books!" And for four days, technicians cleaned out the trackers and 1,680 pipes. Two and a half gallons of dirt and two bent pipes later, the organ was resurrected.
"We Christians celebrate Easter for the Resurrection, " said Haskel. "So for this organ to get a new life, it just couldn't happen at a better time."
The organ will make its debut back into public life on Easter Sunday.
Church officials say St. Paul's is Manhattan's oldest public building in constant use. The church was completed in 1766.
