Relocated byGeo. Kilgen & Son, Inc.
Opus 4211, 1928

The organ was originally installed in the Metropolitan Building's rooftop restaurant in 1923. Later it was donated to Temple Israel after new synagogue sanctuary building was built in 1928-29.

-- Information from Harvey Gustafson, organist. Photographs courtesy of Laszlo Regos Photography. 6/2009

-- From Ed Copland: The former Temple Israel organ was the very first organ I ever worked on. The story goes that it was originally installed at a restaurant at the old Metropolitan Building (long gone). The organ was moved from Temple Israel to a home in Richfield in 1977, then the owner got married and they disposed of the organ. It was scrapped/parted out, but the harp is at Holy Cross Lutheran. I worked on it with Michael Rider around 1977. Karl Eilers was organist at Temple Israel before Harvey Gustafson.

-- From Jayson Engquist: 2-manual Kilgen in two chambers (either side of the bimah stage) with console up in a choir/organ 2nd-story loft above the main floor. 12/30/2022

-- From a letter from Harold Holmgren, June 18, 1942, Holmgren discusses taking over service of this organ from Theo. Bender (who has serviced it for 20 years). Holmgren's contacts indicate that they don't believe the Rabbi [Rabi sic] will want to make the change. Holmgren asks the factory to write and strongly support him.

Identified from the Kilgen ledgers courtesy of the St. Louis Pipe Organ Co.; compiled by Elizabeth Towne Schmitt, April 1997.

The Kilgen was replaced by an electronic in 1977.