The Next Big Thing
Glenda Burgeson
At Saint John’s, handwork is a creative expression of Benedictine spirituality. For over 160 years, the craftsmen at Abbey Woodworking have created high-quality furniture, architectural details and other wood products that reflect values of stability, simplicity, and stewardship of our forest.
Recently, the Abbey received an exciting proposal by world-renowned Pasi Organ Builders, to incorporate its operation into Abbey Woodworking. This arrangement promises new and exciting opportunities to elevate the prominence of this “work of our hands.”
The Work of Our Hands project is a significant capital endeavor. This new facility will centralize woodworking operations and also house the organ building program. The two-story facility will add instruction space, increase efficiency and production, provide a safer work environment, and renew our commitment to this monastic endeavor.
Once completed, this building looks to firmly establish Abbey Woodworking/Pasi Organs as a premier workshop for quality handwork, where artisans, grounded in and inspired by Benedictine values, create pieces of beauty and utility, and nurture their craft for generations to come.
This proposal also is timely, as it coincides with a pressing need by Abbey Woodworking to update and expand its aging woodworking facilities. Plans are underway for a new facility that will accommodate the addition of the organ building operations.
Abbey Woodworking is an ideal home for Pasi Organs. Both enterprises are anchored in the preservation and transmission of knowledge of handwork. In addition, the two enterprises have already collaborated.
Last year, Pasi Organs completed the two-year expansion of our church’s pipe organ. For this expansion, the largest of the organ pipes were built at Abbey Woodworking. This fine instrument is not only a cultural landmark in liturgical music, it is an outstanding example of what is possible in the future, providing a direct link from our forest to the woodshop to the sacramental life of the Church.
The Abbey Woodworking/Pasi Organs collaboration is a unique opportunity to combine skilled craftsmen from two different traditions. Pasi instruments are creative expressions, each one unique to its environment, yet comprising parts made the same way for centuries.
The furniture made by Abbey craftsmen has become signature Saint John’s touchstones for generations of students, guests, and pilgrims. Pasi Organs will add a new dimension to an already rich heritage of handwork.
We are very pleased to announce that we have been offered two challenge gifts: one from an anonymous donor of $1 million; and another of $2 million from Mr. Robert Weyerhaeuser, a member of the nationally-renowned lumber business family. With your generous contribution to this project and these matching gifts, we will be within striking distance of our goal.
To get involved, see videos, pictures, and learn more about this project visit the Work of Our Hands website or click on the button below. We would love to have you join us in the exciting new endeavor!
Abbey Woodworking Capital Campaign
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