Better than a keyboard, for sure.

Well, I've been trying for the last 2 years, and it simply is not a priority for any one on the building finance committee. If I want an organ, I have to figure out a way to get it done. If I had the 50k I would put it up myself but I don't.

Check the Organ Clearing House and see what $50K will get you for a used pipe organ.

we are building a new church

How do the architect plans provide for an organ?
Width? Height? Depth?

How sad that an entire new building is being built and the budget can not even be provided for a small, used instrument.

It appears some priorities may be off. Building a church, but not providing for an "integral part" of the liturgy (SC 112)? Very unfortunate.

If it's the model I'm thinking it is, it's pretty decent. Some of the individual voices are adjustable if I remember correctly. I started playing Masses on a 750B Scarborough 25 years ago when I was 10. The organ was purchased in 1978 for just under $25,000 and it's still there today. I hope to find them an orphan pipe organ someday if they get a sensible pastor.

For what it's worth, I started my current position 3 years ago, and 6 weeks later, the parish moved into it's new church. There had been no provision for a new instrument of any kind, and the plan was to move the 30 year old Allen across the parking lot and have it play through the PA system. Fast-forward to summer 2014: I found the right orphan to fit the space after searching all over the country and raised the $100,000 we needed for the project in less than 6 months. Understand that the parish is ok financially and I have the full support of the pastor. So, miracles can happen.

How sad that an entire new building is being built and the budget can not even be provided for a small, used instrument.
It appears some priorities may be off. Building a church, but not providing for an "integral part" of the liturgy (SC 112)? Very unfortunate.

Ben, with all respect, when you have at least a couple of decades' worth of service on your curriculum , postulating the above doesn't help the OP. It's called "realpolitick." I'm facing the prospect of furnishing a 30,000 sq. proto-cathedral (and the third organ installation of my career) and "they" are allotting $2M for the entire interior furnishings. You don't sit with architects and engineers, pastors and donors, and quote Tra le sollecitudini as a proof text for yours or anyone elses' agenda. Eight years ago I sat opposite Duncan Stroik hoping that he'd be chosen our architect. The one they chose at least listened to the concept of organ chambers. I haven't see blueprints until a month ago for a church they want dedicated in three years. No thought was afforded the architecture for any organ chambering, wind or simulacrum. No thought was afforded the expense and design (via acousticians) regarding providing sound re-inforcement in a 2500 seat church. Then "they" come asking me for guidance and advice???
Sorry, some of us don't need more platitudes.

Organ chamber?! Why on earth would one ever build a church with a chamber? It's the worst possible place to put an organ.

Do you think that the architect of St Peter's Basilica thought about positions for an organ? Santa Maria Maggiore? St Paul's in London? Not really. Organ builders later turned up and applied their genius within the constraints of the building.

Usually church construction plans have to be approved by the diocese. It's a pity if that process doesn't treat the parish's music needs as a requirement.

Incidentally, how much does the Rodgers mentioned above go for?

By the way: if the budget includes carpeting, is it thinkable to change that to a more sound-reflective flooring, and devote the savings to the organ fund?

The plans may be made already, but one can always ask. :-)

Mssrs. Yanke and Osborn,
Is it not reasonable to "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" before uttering generalized, non-specific "smart advice" from afar? And yes, Ben, I knew you'd quoted SC, but I was referring to the portion of the 03 Motu that extols the pipe organ as the sole worthy instrument for worship. Jackson, characterize my remarks in any manner you wish, but advice that implies "where there's a will, there's a way" rarely finds its way in a conference among decision-makers who have to answer to a myriad of stakeholders whose interest and monetary concerns are specific and fixed.
In the temporary, pre-fabricated building that serves now as the precursor to the new building, I found an unused analog Rodgers at a nearby parish in the deanery for which their pastor was more than happy to donate.
And yes, I'm aware I'm crass, boorish and unhelpful, but thanks for your support.

@MJM
I have seen the instrument and the owner played it for me but I wouldn't mind your feed back. It is in Maricopa and at the guys house in his living room. He is a young man who will also be playing the instrument for as from time to time.

@chonak
The Archetect has been very wiling to assist with the design of the space and I was successful in talking them into extending the depth of the loft, beefing up the supports under where an organ would be placed, installing conduits in the floor for com wires between console and pipes, and not a spec of carpeting. The space is ready for an organ, I would just hate to have the dedication of our new church with out an instrument.

We plan to be ready by next Triduum, how glorious would it be to have the space filled with beauty for the Gloria on Holy Thirsday and Easter Vigil.

Here's the DFU: http://www.rodgersinstruments.com/sites/default/files/om-pdfs/1905122.pdf

eft94530 I will need to double check the height but I believe its at least 20' - 25' above the loft.

Get your Rodgers rep in the area to visit and draw up a plan to install and voice it, with a long range plan to replace it when money permits with some or all of the money spent on getting it installed applied towards the purchase of a new one...that way everyone knows that it is "temporary", there will be less criticism of it since it is helping you move ahead.