Dear Fellow Alumni:

As a fellow DePauw alumna/us, I am sure you have as fond memories of the pipe organ at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church as I have. I am writing to you on behalf of Gobin Memorial because of that shared interest in the organ. For my part, I remember so clearly the rich fabric of tones that the organ created as part of our musical experience at DePauw.

The organ will be 80 years old in the fall of 2009. And during these past 78 years, the organ has deteriorated from wear and age. In addition, modifications have been made over the past several decades in attempts to keep the organ updated and functional. But now, it has become evident that the organ needs extensive restoration in order to recapture its original tone and functionality.

Reynolds Associates, a professional organ restoration company from Marion, Indiana, assessed the organ’s current deficiencies and developed a plan to restore and update the organ to last for decades to come. However, the cost of the needed work is nearly $450,000 and will take a full 24 months to accomplish. This cost is far less than the cost to replace the organ and the congregation would like to have the restoration work done in time for the 80^th anniversary of the original dedication of the organ (in the fall of 2009); but the congregation is unable to cover the full cost of the work.

Over the past year, the Gobin congregation has raised $119,000. So far, my husband, Dr. Robert Farber ‘35, and I have contributed $60,000 toward the project. I believe that you, as much as we, have an interest in seeing the restoration work going forward for this important organ. As such, I am asking that you consider making a gift to Gobin Memorial UMC for the restricted purpose of restoring the organ. The enclosed information brochure contains more details concerning the condition of the organ and the work needed to restore the sound and functionality. If you would like additional information, please contact either Pastor PT Wilson (PTWilson@depauw.edu) or John Schlotterbeck (JSchlot@depauw.edu) via email or through the Gobin Church Office at 765-658-6010. Or, you may visit the Gobin website at www.gobinumc.org.

If you are willing to make a gift for this worthwhile project, please send your gift to: Gobin Memorial UMC, PO Box 66, Greencastle, IN 46135. I thank you for considering such a blessed endeavor.

Sincerely,

Vera May Farber ‘36