Berghaus Organ Co.
1987

Provided by David Hendricksen: The original organ at Grace Lutheran Churchin River Forest, Illinois, was an E. M. Skinner instrument, installed in 1931 in two organ chambers on either side of the chancel, with an Echo division in the back balcony. Its design was in accordance with thetonal philosophy of the day.In 1956, the Schlicker Organ Company, of Buffalo, New York, was contracted to enlarge and update the original instrument. Under the direction of consultant Paul Bunjes, the organ was rebuilt along classic lines. The most notable results were an unexpressive Great division and the replacement of the enclosed Choir with a new Positif division.In 1986, Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders Inc., of Bellwood, Illinois, rebuilt the organ, revoicing the existing pipework and adding new ranksand a new console. The result is an instrument that uplifts congregational worship and adapts well to the performance of historic and contemporary literature.Grace's current organist is Cantor Michael Costello. Many world-class organists have been featured in recitals at Grace, including E. Power Biggs, Peter Hurford, Marie-Claire Alain, and David Schrader. The organ may be heard on the Pro Organo recording French Fest,with guest organist Mark Laubach.

Identified through information adapted from E. M. Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner Opus List, by Sand Lawn and Allen Kinzey (Organ Historical Society, 1997), and included here through the kind permission of Sand Lawn:
Rebuild of Schlicker rebuild (1956) of E. M. Skinner Opus 833 (1930).