ST Stephen’s Cathedral would be without its pipe organ for up to four months after suffering water damage in the heavy rains in February.
Cathedral music director Christopher Trikilis said rainwater had entered the cathedral and run through the organ.
There was no clear answer on how the water got into the organ.
He said the water damage was a shock, especially because it came only three months after the organ had substantial work done to it “to bring it back to its original glory”.
“We’ve got no organ again for a number of months,” he said.
He said they were lucky to have the organ working for Bishop Tim Norton’s ordination and the installation of the new Australian Catholic University chancellor Martin Daubney.
The weekend after was when the rain hit.
“The organ sits at the liturgical heart of the cathedral and every time, both visually and audibly, you’re in the building it’s really front and centre,” he said.
“People tuning in on the livestreaming, you’re looking at the shots of the sanctuary and what do you see behind where the priest is standing for Mass – the organ pipes right there.”
Mr Trikilis said the cathedral team was on the campaign again to raise funds to get electronic instruments as replacements until they could get the pipe organ fixed.
He said the cathedral organ was not just significant for Catholics, but held historic value for all of Queensland.
“It was the last of the big Australian-built pipe organs in 2000,” he said.
“It’s got a cultural and historic element to it.
“It also has a distinctive tone, people can listen to it and straight away know it’s the cathedral (pipe organ).”
If you would like more information on how you could help, contact the St Stephen’s Cathedral parish office.
