Instruments
The Cathedral is proud to house two pipe organs; instruments which not only add dignity and majesty to worship, but have the ability to lead a large assembly in prayer and praise.
The Great Organ gracing the Cathedral’s West Gallery was installed in 1953. Crafted by Casavant Frères, a distinguished Canadian company based in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, and further enhanced by Schantz Organ Company from Orville, Ohio, today it boasts an array of 62 ranks and 3,756 pipes. While its original console remains in the West Gallery, a new console, crafted by Schantz Organ Company, now resides on the floor of the north transept.
The Kilgen organ (1935), formerly belonging to Sacred Heart Church, Wheeling, used to be positioned in the nun’s gallery overlooking the upper sanctuary. This organ was refurbished, enlarged by the addition of several new ranks of pipes, and reinstalled in the North Triforium. The new location of the Orgue de Choeur allows the organ to be better heard by the choir and the assembly.
Extensive renovations, refurbishments, and additions were made to both of these historic organs in 2016 through the work of Schantz Organ Company. It remains imperative that they continue to fulfill their sacred duty of “adding a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifting our minds to God and higher things” (Musicam Sacram, 62).
In addition, the organs are supplemented by a concert grand piano, built by Steinway & Sons in 1906. All of these fine instruments not only enhance congregational singing, but lift our spirits to encounter God in a beautiful way.
