FARMINGTON — The Farmington Historical Society’s North Church and 1904 Cole Tracker organ will be an integral part of the upcoming musical performance of sacred music for Advent at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.

Led by Philip Fournier, artist in residence and director of music for St. Rose and St. Joseph parishes in Jay and Farmington, and including members of several communities and several established choral groups, the production will take the listeners back through the centuries with renditions of holiday and holy day songs and music.

Centerpiece to the performance is the use of the Cole Tracker organ that has remained silent for decades. Installed in the North Church in 1904 (built in 1873 and last used in a regular sectarian service in 1932), it was last played by Emily Floyd in the 1970s. The organ is located in the North Church sanctuary or audience room, which is located on the second floor and has, essentially, been undisturbed since 1898.

The organ was recently evaluated and repairs were made by David Wallace & Co. of Gorham with the assistance of Fournier and Eric Weest Johnson of EWJ Sound Production. The determination was made that while fragile and in need of additional repairs and tuning, the organ was suitable for playing.

The event is free, open to the public, and presented by the St. Joseph and St. Rose parishes as part of their community outreach program.

The North Church is located at 126 High St. in Farmington. Admission is free but seating can be reserved by calling 207-778-2006.

Cole Tracker Organ at North Church in Farmington being prepared for service by David Wallace with assistance of Philip Fournier. (Photo by Al McDaniel)

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