TIFFIN, Ohio — It's taken 10 years, but a long fundraising campaign is finally paying off.
St Joseph's Catholic Church in Tiffin is currently without its organ that was first installed in 1935.
Ten years ago, the parish launched an organ fund and to date have raised nearly all of the need 730,000 to completely update their organ console and install a new, larger pipe rank.
The new system will offer solid state electronic controls and Musical Instrument Digital Interface functionality, a way to connect other devices that make and control sound to it.
Additionally, the pipes will be moved further into the cathedral space so it isn't affected by outdoor weather.
Last month, crews from Schantz Pipe Organ company out of Orville Ohio removed the organ and pipes.
Now, the parish, while still trying to raise the remaining 10,000 dollars for the project, have to do without the heart of their services until it can be reinstalled just in time for the church's 175th anniversary next year.
"After the organ was removed, it seemed so vacant and empty, and it is because it is such an integral part of the worship of the parish. And so without it, it does seem like something is definitely missing. But, we will appreciate it all the more when it is able to be completed," Father Joseph Szybka said.
The newly-renovated organ is expected to be reinstalled sometime in February of 2020 and will be rededicated sometime following Easter.