Kilgen Organ Co.
1939 after

Updated through online information from Steve Rand (July 18, 2024): The console was original, and on a rolling platform, and could be moved anywhere in the choir loft. The stop layout is tilt tabs located above the manuals. There is a Crescendo pedal. There are 5 Divisional combination pistons per manual, and 5 General pistons beneath the Great Manual. Also 2 Toe pistons, Sforzando and ?

The Kilgen organ was rendered inoperable after a lightning strike in 1988, which set fire to the church steeple. While extingushing the fire, water entered parts of the organ. Some electrical damage was caused by the lightning strike itself. The Parish decided to replace the Kilgen with an electronic instrument, and install the original facade against the rear wall of the choir loft, giving the choir an additional 10 feet of space. The console and all internal components were removed, leaving the case and facade pipes. Nothing was destroyed, and most of the parts remain in storage at several locations in El Paso. The console and most of the Swell division are installed at the St. Luke Catholic Church Parish Hall, 930 E. Redd Rd. in El Paso. Playing condition is unknown.

Updated by Christian Draper, who has heard or played the organ. Facade pipes still extant. The cathedral now uses a digital organ for services.

From the cathedral web site: "The Cathedral's original pipe organ was made by George Kilgen & Son of St. Louis at a cost of $7,000. It had 2500 pipes and was electrical in its mechanism, and had a marvelous tone.  "On May 17, 1988, during a thunderstorm, a lightning bolt struck the steeple and set it on fire causing considerable damage. The damaged steeple was removed and a new one erected. The organ was completely destroyed due to extensive water damage as well as part of the interior of the church."