Organ music has been an
integral part of services as long as there has been a church.
The Second Presbyterian Church organ is a custom-built St. Louis,
Missouri, Kilgen Organ of 2555 pipes, specifically constructed to fit
the acoustical and architectural properties of our church.
The three manuals connect with
Great, Swell, and Choir organs in the two organ chambers located to
the left and right of the choir loft. These chambers measure 15
by 15 feet and are 16 feet high. The largest pipe in the organ
is 10 feet high and 20 inches across. The tiniest and highest
pitched pipe measures three-eighths of an inch in length and one-fourth
inch in diameter.
Other features of the organ
include a harp of 49 bars, 25 chimes and a Vox humana.
Orchestral instruments within the organ include an oboe, a clarinet, a
trumpet and a trombone.
The console and all ornamental
woodwork and grillwork is in walnut finish, matching other church
furnishings. The exposed pipes have a polished zinc
finish. Materials necessary to build the organ were gathered
from 24 countries besides the United States.
In 1995 the congregation
successfully conducted a campaign to raise funds for restoration and
maintenance of this remarkable instrument.
