Our prayers are with those who have lost so much in the devastation caused by the Los Angeles area fires.  In addition to the unimaginable loss of life, homes, businesses and so much else, Houses of Worship where American Guild of Organists members serve as organists and music directors have been destroyed, along with several organs previously featured in Presidents’ Day Organ Festivals.

Celebrating and sharing organs is what the Festival is about.  As an AGO chapter we realize that the destruction of a House of Worship and its organ is a tragedy for an entire congregation and community—a loss that we also feel.  To date we’ve confirmed the loss of the following organs:

·         St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Altadena—Wilhelm organ featured in 2016

·         Altadena Community UCC Church—Casavant organ featured in 2016

·         Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Pacific Palisades—Schudi organ featured in 2017

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades lost multiple buildings, including the Rectors’ residences, however the main sanctuary has survived (with some damage) along with its Fisk organ that was part of the 2017 Festival.  Although their church has barely survived, over 75% of St. Matthew’s members have lost their homes.

Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church was also destroyed, along with its Parsons-Rosales organ that was featured in a Los Angeles AGO program in 2018.  We are aware of seven other churches, a Jewish Temple, and a Mosque that have burned. 

In the aftermath of this disaster, we know the journey of healing and rebuilding will not be easy.  We pray for the successful restoration of the worship center for each faith community that has suffered loss.