Congregationalists at Peace Lutheran Church in Sidney will be celebrating the sweet sounds of two years of fund-raising efforts on Sunday.
A new grand piano graces the local church and the hard work to bring it to the community will be the focus of a party on Sept. 28.
Ev Wiggins, who is publicity chairperson at Peace Lutheran, says it took the church two years to raise the money through picnics, a fowl supper and by the extra efforts of groups like the Sidney Concert Band, which held a fundraiser to help the cause.
“We’re so excited about it,” Wiggins said. “It really was a community effort.”
The keys of a mock grand piano were also sold to help raise the money needed for a new, full-size instrument. It was one of the clever ways the congregation members came up with to keep the tally growing.
Pastor Erik Trovall said the previous piano, which was donated to the church by a local family, is still working fine and has been moved into the congregation hall. It is used for meetings and other events.
He added the church decided to look for a new piano during their regular budget and needs assessment process. He said since music plays a big part in church life, they wanted an instrument worthy of that attention. So, they found the piano they wanted from a Victoria company and began fundraising.
“We wanted something that was going to be beautiful,” he said.
The piano actually arrived a few weeks ago and has already been used during times of worship and for special occasions at the church.
“It was a labour of love,” Wiggins said about the many hours of volunteer time people put in to raise enough money for the new instrument.
All of their efforts culminate on Sunday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m. at the church at 2295 Weiler Ave. in Sidney. Guest musicians David Watson and Claire Mackelson will be performing classics throughout the service and luncheon.
To find out more, call 250-656-2721.
editor@peninsulanewsreview.com