First Parish in Bedford will celebrate the restoration of its historic 1885 Hook & Hastings tracker organ with a special Gala Concert and reception on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Hosted by the First Parish Music Committee and Capital Campaign Committee, the afternoon will feature First Parish organist Sandra LaBarge-Neumann, joined by distinguished guest organists Heinrich Christensen and David Carrier, two of the Boston area’s most respected performers.
Built in 1885 and acquired by First Parish in 1898, the organ has been part of the musical life of the congregation for more than 125 years. Its intricate mechanical system reflects the craftsmanship of 19th-century organ building: with the exception of the electric motor that supplies air to the wind chests, the instrument operates mechanically through an elaborate system of levers, rods and slides connecting the keyboard to its ranks of pipes.
The organ underwent its last comparable overhaul in 1970. This summer, specialists from the Andover Organ Company dismantled much of the instrument and removed its wind chests and other components for reconstruction. The project addressed problems that had begun appearing in the aging instrument, including air leakage and occasional “cyphers” — notes that continue to sound after a key has been released.
The $53,100 refurbishment was funded through First Parish’s recent $1.7 million capital campaign and is expected to give the historic instrument many more decades of service.
The restoration also uncovered a small piece of First Parish history. Removing the organ pipes exposed part of the sanctuary wall normally hidden from view and revealed an inscription that had not been seen in more than half a century: “Meeting House Erected 1816.”
The October 4 concert will give the wider community an opportunity to hear the renewed instrument in the hands of three accomplished organists and to celebrate the preservation of an important part of First Parish’s musical heritage.
A reception will follow the concert.
The community is warmly invited to attend this festive afternoon of music and celebration