On November 21, 1959, the sanctuary organ was dedicated at First Lutheran Church. The Aeolian-Skinner company of Boston was the builder. It was designed by representatives of the company in consultation with Dr. Merle Pflueger and was paid for through the church budget at a cost of $52,000.

The present three manual and pedal organ consists of 39 ranks (sets of pipes) totaling 2446 pipes and 32 tonal generators. It has electric-pneumatic action and is played from the drawknob console located in the east balcony.

The Great and Pedal divisions are located in the open area of pipes. The Swell division is on the north side and the Choir division is on the south side behind large pedal pipes. These divisions are enclosed with louvers to control dynamics.

In 1964, the Festival Trumpet and Zymbelstern were added as a memorial to Ruth Borgwardt by Pastor Robert Borgwardt. A pedal reed rank was added in 1994 consisting of a 16' Bombarde, 8' Trompette and 4' Clairon. A 32' electronic Bombarde was also added. In addition, there was a tonal regulation of the complete organ. This work was paid for with gifts and memorials to the organ fund.

The organ is still not complete. The builder prepared the console and space for an additional 709 pipes. The addition of three more pedal ranks and the Positiv division will complete the tonal design. The finished organ will consist of 53 ranks and 3155 pipes plus 32 generators.

Our beautiful organ, a heritage instrument, is an American Classic organ. It was designed to lead the congregation in singing hymns and liturgy and to express the music of all periods of organ literature.

Organ Specifications (.pdf)