"As we joyfully celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, our Patron Saint, we invite you to joyfully and prayerfully consider participating in our pipe organ campaign."  ~ Father Michael Oenbrink

The pipe organ of St. Francis by the Sea will be 20 ranks of pipe work with 1,147 speaking pipes augmented with 82 digitally sampled Walker stops across 8 divisions.  This instrument will include some very unique musical elements including an Italian Baroque Positiv Division and a unique Rosignolo stop that imitates birdsong, to honor the heritage and love of nature of St. Francis.

The pipe organ will be carefully voiced to not be "too loud", but rather perfectly supportive of congregational singing, play a variety of organ repertoire and improvisions, and be able to better accompany our choir(s).  The real benefit of a hybrid organ of this sort is that the sound will come from various places throughout the building and mix with the pipes.

A pipe organ is a legacy investment for a parish that will last for generations.  As our current electronic organ is nearing the end of its natural life, it is time for our parish to begin looking toward the future.  A pipe organ will enhance our liturgy and liturgical space, both musically and aesthetically.

A donation to this campaign is a donation towards our Parish's first pipe organ that will play your family member’s wedding or funeral. In addition, by hosting parish community organ concerts, it may lead new people to the Catholic faith and will inspire many to lift their hearts and minds to God over the decades.

We invite you to consider joining us and supporting our campaign, whether you’re able to make a major donation, donating a single pipe, or any donation.

Major Donors

Those interested in making a major donation ($40,000+) for a memorial to name the organ, a trumpet stop, the organ console (where the organist plays), or dedicate a division of the organ can contact Matthew at the Parish Office (843-681-6350).

Donate a Pipe

25k – Donate a Pipe (visible pipes)*

10k – Pipe (8’ pipe, not visible, but audible)*

5k - Pipe (4' pipe, not visible, but audible)

2.5k – Pipe (2’ pipe, not visible, but audible)

1k – Pipe (< 2’ pipe, not visible, but audible)

All donated pipes are audible, but those at the 10k level and below are behind the visible pipes.

*Donors of 10K & higher will be acknowledged on a wall plaque.

We Want Everyone Involved

Make a one-time donation of any amount. Make a pledge over the course of up to 10 months. Be a part of the process and build a legacy of music for the future of St. Francis by the Sea.

Timeline of the Process

• Summer 2023 - St. Francis began interviewing new Music Directors. All of the candidates agreed that a new organ would need to be a priority in the coming years. The parish hired Matthew J. Meloche.
• 2023-2025 - The present organ, acoustics and parish music program are analyzed. Research and development of concepts for a future pipe organ are developed over this time.
• Summer 2025 - Fr. Mike and a committee met with the Peragallo Organ Company of Paterson, NJ to discuss a possible hybrid pipe organ. The Peragallos toured the parish and began working on a proposal.
• December 2025 - Bicentennial campaign ended.
• January 2026 - The Jubilee Year of St. Francis began.
• Later January 2026 - The Peragallo company formally presented the organ plans to Fr. Mike and the committee. Fr. Mike let the Peragallos know about the Jubilee Year and they moved their factory schedule to try to make the organ build feasible during 2026.
• February 2026 - The Finance and Parish Councils voted to approve this plan. Fr. Mike contacted the Diocese to advise them of our campaign plans.
• March 2026 - The pipe organ project is brought to individual donors and the general parish for approval. We ask that you prayerfully consider a pledge.  There are Prayer of St. Francis cards available in Narthex.
• March 21 - 22, 2026 - pledge cards will be collected.
• Hopefully December 2026: the pipe organ will be installed and ready for Christmas.

About Our Organ Builder

The Peragallo Pipe Organ Company was founded in 1918 by John Peragallo, Sr., who developed his craft as an apprentice with the famous E.M. Skinner Organ Company. John Jr. served as President of Peragallo for many years and completed notable instruments. Continuing this tradition, John III and Frank Peragallo now head the company and are joined by their sons, Anthony and John IV each using their unique talents to contribute to the legacy of this unique, Catholic, and family-run organization. They are presently involved in the renovations of the organ at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.