Last weekend a family came up to the choir loft to show their little girl the organ. I could see the excitement in her eyes as she sat at the console and looked at all the tabs and buttons in front of her. It is for that reason that I decided to write about the organ this week. The Holtkamp Organ was installed some time in 1949-1950 as a 10 rank (set of pipes) instrument. Originally, the organ did sit in the loft, but was brought down to the sanctuary in 1985. In 1992, the organ was restored again, adding electric wind chests. The Harry Ebert Organ Co. completed the work on the new console, and restored the “Zimblestern," which in German literally means “Cymbal Star” and consists of a metal or wooden star or wheel on which several small bells are mounted. When the wheel rotates, the bells create a constant "tinkling sound." Most often, this sound is used for celebratory music such as the Gloria, the opening and closing hymns at Mass, or to announce the bride as she begins her walk down the aisle at weddings.
The organ that you presently hear underwent a major restoration in 2006, in preparation for its move from the sanctuary back to the choir loft. New ranks were added to complete what now is a grand instrument with 17 ranks of pipes. So, the next time you think you hear bells, just remember -- it‘s just the organ!
