Geo. Kilgen & Son, Inc.
1908

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Preble, was founded in 1873, and their current edifice was constructed in 1882–83. In May of 1908, the congregation voted to purchase a pipe organ from George Kilgen & Sons at a cost of $1,200. The organ was dedicated at the congregation's 25th anniversary service on October 5, 1908.* To accommodate the new instrument, it was necessary to enlarge the choir loft by six feet. Also at that time, Daniel Bieberich, a member of the congregation, was paid $10 per year to pump the organ.

In 1973, the organ was reconditioned by Lima Pipe Organ Company. In addition to cleaning and repairs, a 21-note set of Maas–Rowe chimes was added, and, at the insistence of the organist, the 8' Dulciana was replaced with a 3-rank Mixture (15–19–22). The Mixture was subsequently replaced with a 2' Fifteenth in 2002. As of 2025, the original hand pump is still operable, allowing the organ to be pumped manually. It has proved useful during at least two services in recent years—once when the electric blower failed and once when the power went out.

The following have served as Preble's music directors since 1908:
1907–1910—Teacher J. Fred Briel
1910–1919—Teacher William Goede
1919–1942—Teacher Rudolph Stolp
1942–1962—Teacher Frank Schmiege
1962–1972—Teacher Raymond Bachmann
1972–1999—Teacher Kenneth Germann
1999–present—Connie Garner

*The 125th and 150th anniversary histories of the congregation erroneously state that it was installed in 1911.

Updated by CW Wescott, who has heard or played the organ.
\r\nHand pump still operational but electric blower has been added.