In 2025, an opportunity arose to restore and preserve one of the most unique assets in our beloved Chapel – a Mason and Hamlin “Liszt” reed organ dating from the late 19th century when the Chapel was built. Its first home on the Cape was at St. Mary of the Harbor church in Provincetown. Around 1920 the organ was acquired by the Universalist Society of Eastham and used during services in the Chapel for many years.

When Nauset Fellowship purchased the Chapel in 1979 we knew the organ was there; but it went unnoticed, its wooden cover always closed. We discouraged people from using it fearing that it could be irreversibly damaged. But we never took the time to truly evaluate what we had. That was until a couple of members began asking questions about it. What we discovered is that we have one of the best reed organs ever made (its manufacture supervised by the great Franz Liszt). The experts we asked to evaluate the instrument concluded it was definitely worth saving. Although it is old, they said it is in relatively good condition.

The restoration cost around $12,000 which included insuring and moving the organ to Wells River, Vermont where the work was done at the 1001 Keys company known for restoring antique pianos and organs.

If you or someone you know can play the organ please let us know. We’re looking for organists!