By Dan Russo
Witness Editor
BELMOND — A small city parish within the archdiocese is betting on a vivid future and its members plan to usher of their church’s 50th anniversary on a excessive be aware.
St. Francis Xavier Parish in Belmond, a part of the Holy Household Cluster that additionally consists of the parishes of St. John in Clarion and Sacred Coronary heart in Eagle Grove, not too long ago accomplished renovations to the church that included the set up of a brand new concrete flooring. This floor, which is significantly better acoustically then the unique carpet, is now complimenting a newly bought pipe organ that was put in earlier this 12 months when public Plenty have been suspended as a result of coronavirus pandemic. Leaders of the parish imagine the instrument, which changed an electrical organ, has significantly enhanced worship within the church.
“The opposite organ was having issues that we couldn’t repair,” defined Father Jerry Blake, the parish’s pastor. “This organ was designed for a church this measurement. I imagine good music actually lifts our spirit to assist us expertise a bit of little bit of heaven right here on earth.”
The enhancements are a part of an general effort to revitalize the Catholic religion within the cluster, which like many rural areas across the nation, has misplaced inhabitants in latest a long time. Father Blake believes the emergence of distant jobs and different earn a living from home methods and other people’s want to reside in tight-knit communities like those he serves might be interesting to many shifting ahead. The households in his parishes are able to welcome and to evangelize newcomers. St. Francis Xavier’s renovation undertaking is tangible proof of that.
“We’re trying towards the longer term,” mentioned the priest. “We’re hoping to draw households, significantly younger households.”
The centerpiece of the renovation — the customized organ containing 350 pipes — got here to the parish in a really uncommon approach.
Jim Mendralla, liturgy and music director on the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque, had a private instrument on the market, which, till not too long ago, had no residence. When Mendralla was serving at a parish within the Archdiocese of Chicago within the late 1990s, he designed the organ that now graces the church in Belmond. Accomplished in 2000 by a Michigan-based producer, the musician loved the instrument for years till 2008.
“I cherished it,” mirrored Mendralla. “It was my follow instrument.”
When Mendralla took his present place in Iowa, he needed to depart his beloved organ behind. For a few years, it was saved on the producer’s facility in Michigan. Initially, Mendralla had created the organ with the intention that it could possibly be utilized in a church sometime. For a very long time, he regarded for an applicable place for it.
Jim McVey, a local of the Belmond space whose mom had served in music ministry at St. Francis Xavier, linked with Mendralla a number of years in the past. Whereas educating at a Catholic highschool in California, McVey had been on the hunt for a pipe organ for the chapel there. A take care of Mendralla didn’t pan out, however the two musicians saved in contact.
In 2016, McVey retired from educating and, in 2018, moved again to Belmond. It was then that he grew to become concerned within the parish’s renovation undertaking. Parish members labored collectively to give you the plans. McVey strongly supported the concrete flooring design, which seems to be like tile, and advocated for getting a brand new instrument. One of many benefits of the brand new flooring for musicians and singers is that concrete tasks sound, in contrast to carpet, which absorbs it, in response to McVey. Parish members spent years fundraising and getting ready. Then got here the pandemic.
“When COVID hit in March, (Father Blake) determined it was time to maneuver on the renovation,” recalled McVey.
The primary public Mass after the renovation occurred in July. Though there could possibly be no singing at that time, parishioners obtained an opportunity to publicly hear the sound of the brand new organ.
“It’s a world of distinction that took some convincing of individuals,” mentioned McVey.
St. Francis Xavier Church was initially inbuilt 1971 after a twister. The parish hopes to rejoice the half-century since its development with a Mass and different festivities in 2021. Music and singing will hopefully play a big half in these occasions.
“The function of music is integral (to our religion),” mentioned McVey
It was a long-standing dream of Mendralla’s to have a private organ for his residence. He spent many hours designing the instrument and labored laborious to afford it. Now that the pipe organ has discovered a everlasting residence and might be used to glorify the Lord, the music director may be very comfortable.
“The organ sits within the house prefer it’s meant to be,” mentioned Mendralla. “God is a bit of sluggish, however he’s proper on time. It’s completely proper. I simply imagine it. I really feel like I gave delivery and now I gave (the organ) up for adoption.”
Cowl picture: Jim Mendralla, liturgy and music director on the Cathedral of St. Raphael, reads music whereas sitting on the pipe organ he designed, which was not too long ago put in at St. Francis Xavier Church in Belmond. (Contributed photograph)
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