Proposal sent to the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey – December 2023 by Jeff Spelman and Carolyn Pittis
Request Establishment of Grace Carillon Study Committee
Background
The carillon located at Grace Episcopal Church in Plainfield, New Jersey is one of four in the state of New Jersey. It was donated by the Pittis family in 1923, and increased in size in the 1970s to four-octaves by the nephews of the original donor. It is one of Plainfield’s historic treasures and is in need of active protection as the Grace Church building is transferred to private hands. The redevelopment plan proposes a mixed-use residential complex with significant new construction and includes retention of the 1891 section of Grace that houses the main church nave and its carillon tower. The 1905 Parish House and 1957 Parish Hall will be demolished. The current architectural plan includes creating a package and mailing room at the foot of the tower and requires review to ensure access to the carillon. 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the carillon dedication.
Grace Carillon Study Committee Purpose
The purpose of the proposed Grace Carillon Study Committee is to develop a working model of transition for the Grace Carillon from Grace Episcopal Church to its presence within a mixed-use residential complex. The committee will propose activities and a future organizational model to preserve, maintain, promote and program the carillon.
The following areas of focus are outlined to forward the discussion and identify required activities.
Assess Current State of the Carillon & Tower
- Schedule initial walkthrough to understand current state of the carillon, as it has not been played or maintained in over three years.
- Schedule session with Architect and Developer to understand current physical state of the tower. Discuss architectural design considerations for mailroom/package area planned for the tower vestibule.
- Access for major carillon maintenance activities is via a series of trap doors inside the tower.
- Design of the proposed mailroom/package area needs to consider access requirements for large items through ceiling trap doors such as replacement of bells or major frame components.
- Known physical issues:
- Under certain weather conditions the tower and spiral staircase trap in moisture causing deterioration to internal masonry, paint in the spiral staircase, etc. A system to control airflow and moisture mitigation will be required.
- Plans need to be established to mitigate risks of damage from demolition and construction activities.
- After initial assessments, define follow up activities required for further design and engineering considerations.
- Schedule professional inspection of the carillon to determine short-term, mid-term, and long-range preservation activities.
- Propose before and after demolition checks on the safety and security of the tower and carillon.
Future “Carillon Organization” Structure
- Investigate organizational structure options to take over carillon ownership and operations. Such options might include creating a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, establishing a private trust or partnering with a similar existing organization. There are examples of carillon maintaining organizations in public spaces, private parks, universities, etc.
- Define establishment activities such organizational bylaws, leadership and identification of potential members. Set up appropriate legal entities as required.
- Establish partnership relationships with groups such as the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America, City of Plainfield Culture & Heritage Commission, County of Union Culture & Heritage Commission, City of Plainfield Historic Preservation Commission and similar local, state and national organizations.
- Develop initial operating and capital budget estimates.
- Identify potential funding sources including individuals, foundations, grants, commissions, etc.
- Develop procedures for performances, promotion and marketing.
- Develop procedures for archival of carillon history.
High Level Responsibilities – Physical Assets
- Developer as building owner to be responsible for tower structure (internal and external), staircases, landings, roof, trap doors, access panel between internal tower and bell chamber, weather proofing, pigeon proofing, internal tower power and lighting.
- Carillon Organization as owner of the carillon to be responsible for all carillon frame components, bells, keyboard, and cable transfer mechanisms.
Joint Activities – Carillon Organization / Building Owner / Leasing Agent
- Carillon Organization and Building Owner / Leasing Agent to develop policies for secured tower access, playing schedules, restricted quiet times, etc.
- Identify any insurance requirements.
- Identify space for practice carillon (currently located in existing basement choir room).
- Identify post-construction operating model to coordinate building and carillon maintenance activities.
Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey Leadership
- Schedule initial sessions with concerned parties to discuss and refine plan.
- Provide tower access for walkthroughs and engineering studies.
- Prepare transfer of carillon ownership to Carillon Organization in coordination with sale of the property to the Developer.
- Handover any historical documents related to the carillon from church archives.
- Handover carillon sheet music from current choir room.
- Prepare appropriate occasion / ritual for handing over carillon from sacred to secular space.
Reference Non-Profit Organizations
MACY’S in Philadelphia is the home of the Wanamaker Grand Organ installed in 1911. Eighty years later, in the fall of 1991, an organization of the Friends Society was formed to support the preservation and musical mission of this irreplaceable American treasure.
https://wanamakerorgan.com/about-friends/
The Church of the Covenant, Cleveland, OH is the home McGaffin Carillon in University Circle. The mission of the Friends of the McGaffin Carillon in University Circle is to improve the quality of life for the thousands who live, study, teach, work, visit, and heal in the University Circle area of Cleveland. They enhance the soundscape with free concerts and special events at the Alexander McGaffin Carillon, a 15,000lb, 47-bell unique public music venue.
http://www.ucbells.org/friends
The Garden State Theatre Organ Society (GSTOS) was founded in 1973 to preserve the historic tradition of the Theatre Pipe Organ in American music. Based in northern and central New Jersey, they restore remaining specimens of the instrument where possible, encourage theatres to preserve them, and showcase them to the public for entertainment. In Rahway, GSTOS preserves and maintains the Wurlitzer organs in the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) and the Rahway Senior Center (home to the 1934 organ originally built for the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in New York City).