Pre-COVID, our local AGO Chapter took a jaunt over there to see this organ (I couldn't go that day, sadly). They all said it was well worth the trip, and that Dr. Blackstone was a very kind and enthusiastic host.
Here's a routine reminder: Be principled not polemical.
Not trying to steal your thunder, Nathan, but this story is similar to my former pastor in Michigan (albeit with a sad ending for all involved). He loved the theater organ so much that he built one into his bed and breakfast mansion (he wanted three!). I managed to spend a couple nights at this mansion when I was applying for the music director position in 2012 at his church that he helped build from the ground up. The organ was quite a sight to see back then, and I was amazed at his affection for organ music, particularly the dying art of theatre organ music. I applied for the position again in 2017 when I was wrapping up my DMA, but he moved on with someone else when I was hesitant to take the job.
Sadly the priest's life ended amid an embezzlement scandal involving him that was probably true.
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