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Grand Piano

A desire was expressed within the congregation to purchase a grand piano for St. Mark's. The Church Committee granted permission to begin fundraising, with the clear stipulation that no church operating funds would be used. Instead, the project was to be financed entirely through special fundraising events and donations.

Marinus van Prattenburg, a renowned piano restorer, agreed to serve as an honourary member and advisor to the fundraising committee. The committee consisted of Lyn Szabo (Chair), Rose Robin (Vice Chair), Pamela Martin-Holmes (Music Director), Jack Blachford (Publicity), Peter Robin, Mari Anne Hussen, Linda and Denny O'Donovan, Joan George, Stan Hodgson, and Jean and Les Edmonds.

The committee's first fundraising event was a concert held in April 1997, featuring local vocalist Marissa Gaetan and pianist Stephen Horning. A second concert, Arts in the Afternoon, took place in March 1998 and proved to be a highly successful community event. It featured Bruce Vogt, Associate Professor and Head of the Piano Department at the University of Victoria, together with Susan Young, soprano and member of the University's Faculty of Music. The afternoon of classical music was complemented by an exhibition of paintings by Norah Beaumont, Marilyn Edwards, and Doris Auxier of the Art Faculty at Trinity Western University.

When Marinus decided to move to Peachland, he generously offered one of his fully restored grand pianos to St. Mark's at his cost. Although deeply appreciative, the committee reluctantly declined the offer because sufficient funds had not yet been raised. In response, Jean and Les Edmonds generously offered financial assistance to make the purchase possible, while proceeds from concerts held during the fall of 1998 and the spring of 1999 continued to support the piano fund.

St. Mark's ultimately acquired the magnificent instrument through the generosity and dedication of many people. Special thanks were due to Marinus van Prattenburg and Jean and Les Edmonds, as well as the many musicians, artists, Stan Hodgson and the Men's Club, Lyn Szabo and the fundraising committee, and the many members of the community whose support made the project a reality.

The piano was a Chickering Concert Grand, built in Boston in 1895 and meticulously restored by Marinus van Prattenburg during the winter of 1997–98. Measuring more than seven feet in length, the instrument was appraised at $30,000. It was expected to attract distinguished performers and concerts to St. Mark's, becoming both an artistic asset and a source of revenue for the church. At the time, it was one of the very few instruments of this calibre in the area.

Reflecting on the acquisition, Music Director Pamela Martin-Holmes remarked:

"This is the finest instrument I have ever played. It has a light, responsive touch with contrasts that are bright and full. It lends itself well to congregational singing. It is a wonderful experience to play and a joy to have for our services."