The Kilgen Organ
The Gallery pipe organ at St. Michael’s in Old Town was installed in 1925 by George Kilgen & Sons Pipe Organ Company of St. Louis, Missouri, as Kilgen Opus 3406. While no historical corroboration exists, it’s believed that several ranks (sets of pipes) from the previous and much smaller 1899 Pilcher pipe organ were retained and incorporated into the new instrument.
Like all pipe organs, the Kilgen is divided into several smaller organs called divisions, each having its own particular function. The organ includes three manual, (hand-played), divisions known as the Great, Swell & Choir, each with its own keyboard. The bass notes of the organ are played by the feet from the division known as the Pedal division. Each division houses several unique ranks with individual pipes ranging in length from less than an inch to upwards of 16 feet. In total, the organ contains 41 ranks and 2,690 pipes. Only one new stop is being added. The stop is referred to as a compound stop (several pipes at different pitches played from one note) and is used to add brilliance when combined with foundation stops.
The Scope of Work can best be described as a complete refurbishing of mechanical and pneumatic components with the installation of modern control systems. Additionally, all pipes in the organ will be returned to their original playing condition. A new console, (keyboards, stop controls, etc.) is being installed to insure that optimal use of the organ’s resources is made possible. Once completed, the organ will reflect the emotion and power of the romantic period with additional flexibility made possible by the new console.
Currently, the Swell division and portions of the Pedal division have been refurbished and are, once again, playing as intended. When looking up at the balcony, the Swell division (the largest division in the organ) is located behind the pipe-facade on the left-hand side. The new console and blower will be installed during winter 2011, while the Great and Choir divisions and remainder of the Pedal division await the availability of additional funding.