For nearly 50 years the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts’ Convocation Hall has echoed with the grand tones of its Casavant organ. Now, as the hall prepares for renewal, the organ, which is designated a First and Second World War memorial, will be moved to a church in southern Alberta. A statement from the U of A said that it reached an agreement with the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Picture Butte following a “principle-guided search.” “This is an outcome of which we can be genuinely proud,” said Robert Wood, dean of the faculty of arts. “After a rigorous process grounded in clear principles, we have found a partner who will ensure the organ is played, heard, and honoured.” The U of A commissioned an independent report from former university president and pipe organist Robert Summerby-Murray to help determine the fate of the Casavant Opus 3358. Summerby-Murray’s report recommended finding the organ a suitable home, honouring its memorial status through formal rededication and ensuring professional disassembly and preservation while maintaining clear communication throughout the process. The organist, who also serves as co-chair of a national consortium connecting universities with Veterans Affairs Canada, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Canadian Armed Forces, said the congregation is an ideal home for the instrument. “The fact that they maintain an active, weekly music program was crucial — this is a home where the organ will be played regularly,” said Summerby-Murray. “This agreement ensures the instrument continues to serve the musical life for which it was designed.” Casavant Opus 3358 will be taken apart professionally and stored for about 18 months until it is ready to be installed at the congregation’s new facility, which its design is centred around. Construction of the facility has yet to start. “Casavant Opus 3358 will be integrated into a newly constructed sanctuary, where it will be actively played many times a week,” said Rev. E.C. Adams. “In addition to its regular use in our worship services, the organ will provide new learning opportunities for the many young people in our congregation who aspire to become organists.” While the organ has been used by academics during its time at the university, it will be the congregation’s discretion to allow its use for scholarly research purposes. Once the organ is relocated, its memorial status will be formally rededicated. A design for a new on-campus memorial will be informed by a committee with voices from veterans and the Royal Canadian Legion. The Casavant organ was installed in the Convocation Hall in 1978, honouring the U of A students who died in the First and Second World Wars. Picture Butte is about 160 kilometres southeast of Calgary.
