The biggest difference between a dreamer and a visionary may just be the difference between reality and possibility.

Four years ago, local pianist Burnley Cook may have not considered himself much of a visionary until he learned that the organ from the historic Baker Grand Theater might be lost forever.

Back in the 1970s, local businessman Bob Shumway saved the organ just hours before the wrecking ball destroyed the movie theater on Pearl Street. After Shumway died, his daughter Ruth Powers put out a call on Facebook to find someone to take the organ before she sent the pieces to the trash.

Cook said, “No indeed.”

Remembering the organ from his childhood, Cook had the vision to look past the time and expense required to restore the organ to see the importance of saving the organ for all to see and hear.

Thus began a three-and-a-half year journey to put the pieces back together in his garage on Winchester Road. Last month, Cook unveiled the refurbished organ and is now posting daily one-song concerts until Christmas for residents to hear the 1922 organ played.

But Cook knows the organ belongs in a more permanent location that will bring the instrument to life for all of the public to enjoy.

Cook is in need of help from other visionaries, who will see the possibilities. Such a vision might include a public/private partnership to renovate the old Ritz or Clark theaters or finding a new home for the organ in the old Margaret Martin High School.

Now is the time for another visionary to say “No, indeed,” to leaving the organ without a permanent home.

Now is the time for us to see the possibilities and make the vision happen.