Unknown Builder
1983

The twin organ consoles, along with the digital stops, were completed by Classic Organ Works (Ontario, Canada). The name and logo for Classic is on the back of each console. The builder of the organ cases and new pipework, as well as the installation of the Austin pipework, is unknown. Many of the stops on the rear organ are digital.

Updated by Carter Mattoon -- The main console by the altar has a MIDI playback system, which is unknown to me whether it works or not. The antiphonal organ needs to be coupled to a manual in order to work. The solo division also needs to be coupled to a manual order to work. The 32' stops in the main organ are non-functional, as well is the Harpsichord and Lute, both of which are in the Antiphonal division.

Updated through online information from Richard Schneider. -- The original organ was installed in the front of the Sanctuary by the White Organ Company of Lansing in 1973-4.

Updated through online information from Will Dunklin. -- St Thomas Aquinas Church purchased Austin 866 from First Congregational, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1983. The Austin was moved to St. Thomas and placed centered behind the altar with a new case and significant tonal changes. The parish's previous organ, was a modest 2 manual installed at the front corners. This organ was moved to the back of the sanctuary, placed in cases on either side of the massive "west" window. The rear organ was augmented with electronic voices. Twin, 3-manual, multiplexed consoles both controlling both organs were installed - one at the front and one back. Interestingly, the result was exactly opposite the usually placement of large European organs: at St. Thomas, the small choral accompaniment organ is at the back and the large solo instrument is at the front.

Updated through online information from Stephen Hall. -- According to the church history, the present building was completed in 1968, and the present organ was purchased in 1978, but not completed until 1985-86.

Information identifying this instrument from the Austin Organs, Inc. web site, accessed December 31, 2004: http://www.austinorgans.com/organ-research.htm.