"The reconditioning will allow the Aeolian to keep its primary role as an accompaniment to the chapel choir and various chapel worship services," said David Arcus, chapel organist. "With the addition of a new console, it will also have an enhanced role in teaching, recitals and concerts."

Although the Aeolian has received minor repairs and renovations throughout the years, much of the organ has remained as it was in 1932, according to John Santoianni, chapel organ curator.

"It reminds me of an automobile I once owned that looked great but needed many repairs," Santoianni said. "You could not tell from looking at the outside just how much mechanical work was needed."

Contract negotiations between Duke University and Foley-Baker, Inc. were completed last September. The organ will be named for Kathleen Upton Byms McClendon, honoring a major gift from McClendon and her husband, Aubrey. Funding will also include a major gift from The Duke Endowment.

Beginning next week, the reservoirs, chests and flue pipes will be carefully removed and transported to Foley-Baker's Toiland, Conn., shop for repairs, reconditioning and cleaning. Some components of the key/chest action will be replaced, but the majority of the organ will not be altered substantially. Richard Houghten of Milan, Mich., has agreed to supply a new console to replace the current one. The original will be retained for historical preservation.

The organ will be out of service for 18 to 20 months, and a small electrical organ will be brought in for use during the interim.

Work is expected to be completed by November 2008.

Friendly culture clash at Peace Covenant

International Food, Film and Friends (IFFF), a group from Peace Covenant Brethren Church, has been hosting IFFF Nights for the past year.

These are held on the first Saturday evening of each month and bring together people from different cultures. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck dinner that includes international foods brought by participants. After dinner, the group gathers to watch a foreign film while children are offered a more appropriate video.

During the past year, attendance has ranged from 35 to 40 with five to six cultures represented. In January, 45 people attended and represented 11 different countries and five continents, said Darla Deardorff, a participant.

"Only about half of them attend Peace Covenant," she said. "The rest are from the surrounding community and the Triangle and from as far away as Apex and Cary."

The purpose, she said, is twofold:

* To bring together those from different cultures to help build meaningful relationships with each other.

* To help those from Peace Covenant get to know people from other cultures and to feel comfortable in their interactions, eating different foods and hearing different languages.

"These events are purely social and do not involve proselytizing," Deardorff said. "IFFF is open to anyone in the community. Attendees are asked to bring a dish of food to share at the potluck."

More information is available by calling Deardorff at 401-4180 or Pastor Kate Spire at 361-5898. The group's next meeting is Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. The church is located at 601 N.C. 54.

Concert series features noted organist

Organist Charles Tompkins will be at St. Stephen's Episcopal this weekend as part of the church's Concerts at St. Stephen's series.

Today at 10 a.m., he will offer a master class in the gallery at the church. A light lunch will be served in the parish hall.

His recital on Sunday is at 4 p.m. and will feature works by Nicolas de Grigny, J.S. Bach, Ned Rorem and Felix Mendelssohn. No admission is charged, but donations will be accepted at the door. The work by de Grigny will feature the Men's Gallery Choir at the church.

Tompkins is university organist and professor of music at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., where he has taught since 1986. He also serves as organist at First Baptist Church in Greenville.