LEWISTON – A Reed organ, which was built in the 1890s, was donated by Richard and Shelly Rau of Turner, to the Franco-American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s.

The couple found the organ in an antique store in Turner, where it was stored after having been in a house fire.

The organ was undamaged but was covered inside and out with soot. A Reed organ company, located in Alfred, was able to clean and restore it, bringing it back to playable condition.

The Raus have had the organ for more than 10 years, and they decided to donate it to the Franco-American Heritage Center in appreciation of the work that is involved in creating the center at the former St. Mary’s Church.

The Raus have been active in community arts organizations for many years, including the Maine Music Society, the Auburn Community Band and Community Little Theatre. They perform at the former St. Mary’s Church as members of the Androscoggin Chorale.

Dr. Rau is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Auburn. Mrs. Rau is an occupational therapist at Huber Associates, also in Auburn. They have two children in college.