The organ

The organ at Grace Lutheran Church first came to life in 1931 as an E. M. Skinner instrument, installed in two organ chanbers on either side of the chancel, with an echo division in the back balcony. Its design was typical of the tonal philosophy of its day.

In 1956, Schlicker of Buffalo, New York, was contracted to enlarge and update the original instrument. Under the direction of consultant Paul Bunjes, the organ was rebuilt along classic lines. The most notable changes were an unexpressive Great and a new Positif division that replaced the enclosed Choir.

In 1986, the Berghaus organ company of Bellwood, Illinois, rebuilt the organ, revoicing existing pipework and adding new ranks and a new console. The result is an instrument that uplifts congregational worship and adapts well to the performance of historic and contemporary literature.

Many world-class organists have been featured in recital at Grace, including E. Power Biggs, Peter Hurford, Marie Claire-Alain and David Schrader. The organ may be heard on the Pro Organo recording French Fest, with guest organist Mark Laubach.