Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that I inform you that the Brooklyn Baptist Temple suffered a fire on Wednesday, July 7. According to Keith Bigger, the fire destroyed a significant portion of the JW Steere & Son organ. As many of you know, the restoration of this instrument has been Keith’s major contribution to the church and to our profession over recent years. You also know that this is where our silent film series was held over the last year. Organ and films went perfectly together. Please remember Keith and the clergy and staff of the Baptist Temple as they seek to move forward from this tragedy. (Keith tells me that the church was well insured, so that is some good news.)
Unfortunately, Keith also tells me that it is likely that the archives for the Brooklyn Chapter were either destroyed or thoroughly water-damaged, as these were in a file cabinet in the area of the fire. In the coming months, you will probably receive appeals from me and from the Board to contribute any archive-appropriate materials you might have. Your help in this will be most appreciated.
But first, let’s allow Keith and the church to asess the damage to their spiritual home and to the Steere organ. I am sure you all join me in offering our prayers and support.
Gregory Eaton
Dean
Coverage: Daily News | AP | Boston Herald | WABC | NBC | NY1 | WPIX | Cobble Hill Blog |